1 BEFORE THE TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
2 OF THE STATE OF OREGON
3 In the Matter of the ) STIPULATION OF FACTS
4 Teaching License of ) AND p
5 KAREN POWERS ) ORDER OF REPRIMAND '
6 On or about March 6, 2006, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
7 (Commission) received a report from Kathryn Baker, Superintendent of Salem-Keizer School
8 District indicating that Ms. Powers was currently under investigation for alleged failure to report
9 suspected child abuse.
10 Ms. Powers fully cooperated with the Commission's investigation. After review of the
1 1 matters alleged, Mrs. Powers and the Executive Director agree that their respective interests,
12 together with the public interest, are best served by a stipulation to certain facts and a public
1 3 reprimand.
14 This Order sets forth the facts upon which the parties have agreed and the sanction to
15 be imposed. Ms. Powers stipulates that there are sufficient facts contained in the Commission's
16 files and records to support the findings of fact and conclusion of law set forth below. In
17 entering into this stipulation, Ms. Powers waives the right to a hearing to contest the findings of
18 fact, conclusion of law and order set forth below.
19 This stipulation is contingent upon approval and adoption of the Order by the
20 Commission, If the Commission does not adopt this Order, neither Ms. Powers nor the
21 Commission are bound by these Stipulations, and Ms. Powers retains all rights to a hearing on
22 the allegations.
23 STIPULATION OF FACTS
24 1. Ms. Powers held an Initial Teaching License with a Special Education endorsement
25 and a ML/HS authorization, issued May 2, 3003, and expired May 7, 2007.
26 2. A special education student in Ms. Powers’ class related that her father touched her
27 inappropriately at home. Ms. Powers did not report these statements to school officials or police
Page 1 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF REPRIMAND —POWERS.

1 because she believed that there were questions about the students’ credibility and when
2 pressed by Ms. Powers, the student said her father had not inappropriately touched her.
3 3. School officials reported the potential abuse to police immediately upon becoming
4 aware of the girl's statements.
5 4. Salem Police thoroughly investigated the girl's allegations, including interviewing
6 siblings and family members and ultimately determined that the girl's statements were false.
7 IT S SO STIPI$TEDz
8 _ - IDZiinoj
9 Ka.’ Powers Date
10 MM’
1 1 M /i’/0 '9
12 Victoria Cha , Executive Director Date
13 Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
14 CONCLUSION 0F LAW
15 Karen Powers failed to make a mandatory report of child abuse pursuant to ORS
16 4198.010. This misconduct constitutes Gross Neglect of Duty in violation OAR 584-020-
17 0040(4)(n) as it incorporates OAR 584-020-0010(5) and 584-020-0025(3)(a).
1 8 ORDER
19 The Commission hereby adopts the above findings of fact and imposes a Public
20 Reprimand upon the Licensure of Karen Powers. This Order shall serve as the Public
21 Reprimand.
22 IT IS SO ORDERED thisé day of November, 2007.
23 TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
24 .
K
25 B .
26 Vic ' amberlain, Executive Director [0521071
Page 2 STIPULATION 0F FACTS AND ORDER OF REPRIMAND ~POWERS.