URBANA, Ill. – Urbana Police Department (UPD) has determined as part of their separate investigation, that there is no evidence to support the alleged conduct reported in Thomas Paine Elementary School.
The DCFS hotline call made last week concerned a student safety issue during school hours. After Urbana School District #116 (USD116) administration was contacted by DCFS, all employees fully cooperated with DCFS and UPD, in consultation with the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, to allow the investigation to proceed appropriately. The investigation included interviews with the student and staff member in question, as well as potential witnesses to the alleged conduct. Today, UPD concluded that no crime occurred during the incident in question and the information provided to school administrators would not have required reporting to DCFS.
USD116 is relieved for the family and student involved that UPD independently found that absolutely no crime occurred. We are grateful for the priority that each agency placed on completing its investigation in an expeditious and thorough manner.
We are sorry for the concern that this incident has caused among our students, families, and in the community, but USD116 has no control over premature news stories. It is the policy of the Board to not only fully cooperate with investigations, but also to protect the confidentiality and privacy of those involved. As a school district community, Urbana is committed to providing a safe learning environment where all of our students can learn and flourish, and we will remain vigilant in pursuit of this commitment.
We urge all USD116 parents and stakeholders to utilize the District as your primary contact and source of information. To view the USD116 press release, please click here. To view the Urbana Police Department press release, please click here.
