I know a band director that, early last Fall, was approached during a class by an AP and two district security officers and told they had to leave the premises immediately. No explanation was given. The director complied and wound up being placed on administrative leave for a little over a month. The AP handed him a paper stating this but again, no explanation. Eventually, they were called into district HQ to respond to vague accusations of improper social media contact with students.
The director vehemently denied this, stating that only previous students who had graduated high school would be considered for 'friending.' This person does post on the usual media, but only band-related content.
In the end, the investigation found no policy had been violated and they were reinstated.
Fast forward to now. Same director (and the kids) just earned the best UIL ratings the program has had in 20 years. It is absolutely in a re-building phase and they were all over the moon when their work paid off.
Two days after contest (as in a couple of days ago), a different AP stepped into the same director's office and was told he must leave campus immediately, stating he did not know why, that he was just the messenger and he only works here.
This time there was no official paper or security officers, and no one else was in the band hall at the time. So, the director again left.
I encouraged them to at least contact their actual evaluator to ask what the reason for this was. They did and were told it is once again social media impropriety. The director again is baffled and claims none has been made.
Assuming they really are innocent, or even if they're not, my question is about procedure. Is it valid for a teacher to be approached during the school day and told to leave campus with no explanation whatsoever? No being called to principal's office, no being told the accusation and being given a chance to respond? Is that standard policy?
Unfortunately, this director is not a member of ATPE, but I encouraged them to at least seek an education lawyer for a consultation.
I am genuinely asking for your take on this. Am I just out of touch or out of line, myself?
Thanks for your honest input/responses in advance.
Y'all need to get on the ATPE train. TMEA insurance does not cut if when these kind of events happen. Speaking with ATPE lawyers is easy and I have always felt very supported.
