Two elementary school administrators in Louisiana have been arrested on suspicions of failing to report child abuse.
Lauryn Faciane, the now-former principle of E.E. Lyon Elementary School, and Tanya Barth, the former assistant principal, are accused of breaking the state’s mandatory reporting law, which requires school administrators to report suspected abuse or neglect of children.
Attorney Roy Burns, who represents both women, stated that the charges are unfounded.
“They’re not guilty,” he said. “They did nothing, and we’re going to fight it till the very end.”
Burns also stated that his clients reported an incident to the school’s resource police officer and did not break any laws.
To protect the children involved, Covington police said they are unable to share information about the incidents that prompted the investigation.
Brant Osborn of the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees stated that reporting any alleged child abuse is a crucial part of the job.
“If it’s employee-related, you have to call law enforcement yourself,” he replied. “We encourage that consumers contact law enforcement directly. If there is abuse at home or by a caregiver, contact the Department of Children and Family Services.
Osborn stated that this case is exceptional.
“This is clearly really shocking. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a news story like this,” he remarked. “I do want to stress, though, as a union, we believe everybody deserves their due process rights, allow the police to do their part, allow the justice system to handle this.”
According to St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia, Faciane and Barth are no longer at Lyon Elementary but continue to work for the district.
“The district takes all matters involving student safety seriously and has fully cooperated with law enforcement during this investigation,” Jabbia stated.
Prior to the arrests, the school system was limited in what information it could provide, citing the ongoing investigation.
The district has a strategy in place to provide leadership and assistance to Lyon Elementary as it prepares for the next school year, Jabbia said. He noted that the district provides annual training and monthly updates on mandated reporting regulations and is committed to ongoing professional growth in the recognition of child neglect and abuse.
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