‘ ' . RECEIVED
1 BEFORE THE TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSIO SEP 1 6 2004
Teacher Standards &
. OF THE STATE OF OREGON Practices Commission
3 In the Matter of the ) STIPULATION OF FACTS,
4 Teaching License of ) AND ORDER OF REVOCATION
5 STEPHEN JOHN KOLLER ) OF RIGHT TO APPLY
6 On April 30, 2004, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (Commission)
7 received a report from David C. Burgess, Superintendent indicating that Burgess recommended
8 the dismissal of Stephen John Koller (Koller) to the Three Rivers School District Board based
9 upon allegations that Koller violated Standards by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with
10 a female student.
11 After review 0t the matters alleged, Mr. Koller and the Commission agree that their
12 respective interests, together with the public interest, are best served by a stipulation to certain
13 facts and revocation of his right to apply for a teaching license.
14 This Order sets forth the facts upon which the parties have agreed and the sanction to
' be imposed. Mr. Koller stipulates that there are sufficient facts contained in the Commission's
16 files and records to support the findings of fact and conclusions of law set forth below. In
17 entering into this stipulation, Mr. Koller waives the right to a hearing to contest the finding of tact,
18 conclusion of law and order set forth below. Mr. Koller understands that the Commission will
19 revoke his right to apply for a teaching license.
2O This stipulation is contingent upon approval and adoption of the Order by the
21 Commission. If the Commission does not adopt this Order, neither Mr. Koller nor the
22 Commission are bound by these Stipulations and Mr. Koller retains all rights to a hearing on the ‘
23 allegations.
24 STIPULATION OF FACTS
25 1. The Commission issued a Transitional Teaching License endorsed in Biology to
26 Mr. Koller on August 27, 2001. Said license expired on August 27, 2004.
' 2. On August 24, 2001, Three Rivers School District hired Koller to serve as a biology
28 teacher at Illinois Valley High School in Cave Junction, Oregon. On January 21, 2003,
Page 1 STIPULATION OF FACTS, SURRENDER AND ORDER OF REVOCATION - KOLLER

1 Superintendent Burgess reported to the Commission that Koller had been Reprimanded for
‘ failing to maintain professional boundaries with a female student.
3 3. The Commission conducted an investigation into this matter beginning January 21,
4 2003. The Commission obtained a copy of the Josephine County Sheriffs Report wherein both
5 Mr. Koller and the female student, IF, denied an inappropriate student-teacher relationship.
6 During an interview with the Commission's investigator Mr. Koller denied an inappropriate
7 student-teacher relationship with, IF, a female student attending Illinois Valley High School. The
8 Commission referred Mr. Koller for boundaries counseling with a Licensed Clinical Social
9 Worker. On August 8, 2003, the Commission adopted a resolution to take no further action in
1O the matter.
11 4. The Commissions July 2004 investigation indicates that Mr. Koller failed to maintain
12 an appropriate student-teacher relationship with, IF, a female student while he was teaching at
13 Illinois Valley High School.
. IT IS so STIPULATED:
15 (Qt/Qt 71-5-01
16 Step n John K0 ler Date
17 MM") ML___
18 ictoria Cham in, Executive Director Date
19 Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
20 CONCLUSIONS 0F LAW 1
21 Stephen John Koller failed to maintain an appropriate professional student-teacher
22 relationship with, IF, a female student in violation of OAR 584-020»0035(1)(c). Mr. Koller failed
23 to maintain the dignity of the profession by exemplifying personal integrity and honesty in
24 violation of OAR 584~020-0035(3)(a) and OAR 584-020~0040(4)(c) during his interview with the
25 Commissions investigator on March 25, 2003. This misconduct constitutes Gross Neglect of
26 Duty. The Commission's authority to impose discipline in this matter is based upon ORS
27 342.175.
‘ ///
WPage 2 STIPULATION OF FACTS, SURRENDER AND ORDER OF REVOCATION - KOLLER

1 ORDER
. The Commission adopts the above Stipulation of Facts and revokes the right of Stephen
3 John Koller to apply for an Oregon Teaching License.
4 IT IS SO ORDERED this Z day of October, 2004.
5 TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
6 ,
7 BYVMQZMMZM’
8 Ictoria Chambe n, Executive Director
9
1O Approved as to form:
11
12 ., 4
13 @L QQk ' A ‘a "1.3
14 Elizabeth A Joffe, OSB# 94 g" j
15 Attorney for Stephen John Koller {0804041
l
Page 3 STIPULATION OF FACTS, SURRENDER AND ORDER OF REVOCATION - KOLLER