i BEFORE THE TEACHERS STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF OREGON
In the Matter of the ) STIPULATION OF FACTS
Administrative License of ) AND ORDER OF DISCIPLINE
GENE HARP )
)

—________1

On May 16, 2000, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission issued a Notice of

Opportunity for Hearing to Gene Harp in which it proposed disciplinary action against Mr.

Harp pursuant to the Commission’s authority under ORS 342.175 through 342.190. This

action followed the Commission’s investigation of a complaint that Mr. Harp had violated

OAR 584-020-0040(4)(1).

The Commission and Mr. Harp have now stipulated to the Facts and Order of Discipline

which follow. In entering into this stipulation, Mr. Harp has waived his right to hearing.

This agreement states the facts upon which the parties have agreed and includes the

( Commission’s Order.

l. Gene Harp holds a Standard Administrative License endorsed for principal and
administrator and valid until March 6, 2001.

2. Gene Harp was employed by the Oregon Trail School District as Principal, Cedar Ridge
Middle School from 1996 to December 31, 1999.

3. During the 1998-99 academic year and the fall of 1999 Gene Harp supervised a female
teacher.

4. In the course of his supervision of the above referenced teacher Gene Harp engaged said
teacher in conversation on several occasions that extended to matters that she regarded as
personal.

5. The conversation, as above described, was deemed by the teacher as uninvited, intrusive
and offensive and caused her to feel that her work environment was hostile and
intimidating.

1
PAGE -l- PROPOSED STIPULATION AND ORDER-WALLACE EUGENE HARP

. 6i In his conversation and interaction with a teacher under his supervision, as above
described, Wallace Eugene Harp, failed to adhere to boundaries appropriate to a
supervisory relationship.

7. The conduct of Gene Harp as above described violated OAR 584-020-0040(4)(l) and,
thereby, is deemed gross neglect of duty.
Gene Harp enters into this Stipulation of Facts with knowledge that the Teacher Standards
and Practices Commission will adopt an Order of Discipline for gross neglect of duty. This
Stipulation is contingent upon approval of the Stipulation of Facts and adoption of the Order
by the Commission. If the Commission does not adopt this Order, neither Mr. Harp nor the
Commission are bound by these stipulations and Mr. Harp retains all rights to a hearing on
the allegations.
IT IS SO STIPULATED:
é >__ $13 i é _/ f%; /3 61600
Gene Date
713/ Z W
. David V. Myton, Execu e Director Date
Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
ULTIMATE FINDINGS OF FACT
Gene Harp engaged in conducted proscribed by OAR 584-020-0040((4)(l) This conduct
constituted gross neglect of duty within the meaning of TSPC rules.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Under ORS 342.175 the Commission may impose sanctions on educators whose conduct
constitutes gross neglect of duty.
OPINION
In the capacity of a middle school principal, Gene Harp engaged in conduct toward a
subordinate female teacher whom he supervised which conduct was experienced by the
teacher as causing an intimidating and hostile work environment.
PAGE -2- PROPOSED STIPULATION AND ORDER-WALLACE EUGENE HARP

’ ORDER
The Commission imposes the following Discipline:

1. The Standard Administrative License issued to Gene Harp is suspended effective
July, l7, 2000 for a period of ninety (90) days.

2. As a condition of reinstatement, Gene Harp shall successfully complete a course of
training reasonably deemed by the Executive Director to be appropriate and
sufficient relating to the elements of sexual harassment in the work place,
supervisory boundaries and the responsibilities of the administrator.

M‘

Dated this 9 f day of T5 é, C 2000

TEAC STANDARD AND PRACTICES COMMISSION

I
By
David V. Myton, Ex utive Director
es M. rown, Attorney for Mr. Harp
/ 8' 00
Gary M. rdy, Assistant Attorney General,
Attorney for Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

7 ~ Z 7 '00
Date
PAGE -3- PROPOSED STIPULATION AND ORDER-WALLACE EUGENE HARP