l
' 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 ) ORDER OF SUSPENSION
5 STEPHEN JOHN STRONG ) AND PROBATION
6 On or about June 29, 2005, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
7 (Commission) received a report from Keith Johnson, Superintendent, Jefferson County
8 School District, indicating that Stephen John Strong (Strong) used his school computer
9 to access sexually explicit material on the internet. ‘
10 After review of the matters alleged, Mr. Strong and the Commission agree that 1
11 their respective interests, together with the public interest, are best served by a 1
12 stipulation to certain facts and the imposition of a ninety (90) day suspension of
'3 Iicensure followed by a four (4) year period of probation upon reinstatement of
Q Licensure.
15 This Order sets forth the facts upon which the parties have agreed and the
16 sanction to be imposed. Mr. Strong stipulates that there are sufficient facts contained in
17 the Commission’s files and records to support the findings of fact and conclusions of law
18 set forth below. In entering into this stipulation, Mr. Strong waives the right to a hearing
19 to contest the findings of fact, conclusions of law and order set forth below. Mr. Strong
20 understands that the probation will be subject to specific conditions.
21 This stipulation is contingent upon approval and adoption of the Order by the
22 Commission. If the Commission does not adopt this Order, neither Mr. Strong nor the
23 Commission are bound by these Stipulations and Mr. Strong retains all rights to a
6 hearing on the allegations.
Page 1 STIPULATION OF FACTS, ORDER OF SUSPENSION AND PROBATION - STRONG

.1 STIPULATION OF FACTS
2 1. Mr. Strong holds an Initial Teaching License issued August 31, 2004, valid
3 through October 3, 2007, with Advanced Mathematics, Chemistry and Multiple Subjects
4 Endorsements.
5 2. Mr. Strong began employment with Jefferson County School District on
6 August 31, 2004. Mr. Strong’s employment ended in June of 2005.
7 3. A District-owned computer with Internet access was present in Mr. Strong's
8 0% for his use in connection with his assigned responsibiiities. The District has
9 an acceptable use policy. The District's policy prohibits the use or attempted use of
10 equipment for Internet access of sexually explicit materials.
11 4. From June 10, 2005, through June 13, 2005, Mr. Strong used his efég'éfag
computer to access sexually explicit materials through the District's lntemet connection
‘3 in violation of District policy regarding Internet use. There is no evidence that any
14 student was aware of Mr. Strong's conduct in this matter.
15 IT IS SO STIPULATED:
16 , WE ~ l '
j 18 ' tephe Joh Strong '1 Dat
19 I _
20 (‘WM ML
21 ictoria Cham ain, Executive Director Date
22 Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
23 ULTIMATE FINDING OF FACT
' 24 Stephen John Strong used the computer equipment owned by his employer, {
' Jefferson County School District, located on school premises, to access sexually explicit
Page 2 STIPULATION OF FACTS, ORDER OF SUSPENSION AND PROBATION - STRONG

.1 materials. Mr. Strong was fully aware that accessing such materials at the workplace
. 2 using a District owned computer was inappropriate and in violation of District policy.
‘ 3 CONCLUSION OF LAW
4 Stephen John Strong’s inappropriate use of a District computer constitutes Gross
5 Neglect of Duty in violation of OAR 584-020-0040(4)(q). The Commission's authority to
6 impose discipline in this matter is based upon ORS 342.175.
7 ORDER
8 Stephen John Strong’s Initial Teaching License is suspended for a period of
9 ninety (90) days effective on November 4,2005. At the end of this suspension period,
1O Mr. Strong’s Initial Teaching License will be reinstated upon:
1 1 1. Submission of a complete application and fees pursuant to OAR 584-050-
0015(3); and

‘3 2. Submission of documentation that he has undergone an evaluation by a
14 psychotherapist or medical professional acceptable to the Commission, and the
15 evaluator submits a written report to the Commission attesting (a) Mr. Strong is fit to
16 work with children and teenagers, and (b) there is a high probability he will not use
17 school district equipment to access sexually explicit materials or engage in similar
18 inappropriate behavior. Any costs associated with the assessment or treatment will be
19 the responsibility of Mr. Strong.
2O Upon the reinstatement of Iicensure, Mr. Strong shall be placed on probation by
21 the Commission for a period of four (4) years, subject to the following conditions:
22 1. Mr. Strong shall substantially comply with any treatment or counseling as

63 recommended by the individual who completed the evaluation described above.

Page 3 STIPULATION OF FACTS, ORDER OF SUSPENSION AND PROBATION - STRONG

'1 Mr. Strong shall authorize and sign any consent forms as necessary for the treatment
2 provider or counselor to furnish records to or discuss Mr. Strong’s treatment with the
3 Commission.
4 2. Mr. Strong shall comply with all Standards for Competent and Ethical
5 Performance of Oregon Educators under Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 584,
6 Division O20.
7 3. Mr. Strong shall provide information as requested by the Commission to verify
8 that he has complied with the conditions of probation, including a statement from a
9 future employing district that he has complied with the Standards for Competent and
10 Ethical Performance of Oregon Educators.
11 Violation of the terms of this probation may constitute an independent basis for
the Commission to impose discipline, up to and including revocation of Mr. Strong's
‘3 teaching license subject to Mr. Strong's right to a hearing on the issue of whether he
14 violated probation.
15 IT IS SO ORDERED this fiay of November, 2005.
16 TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
17 .
18 By: Wife/w___
19 Victoria Chambe rn, Executive Director
20 Approved as to form:
21
22 [Z [é WK Q
1 23 e i K. Brown, OSB#9224\1_
24 Att rney for Stephen John Strong [0928051
O
Page 4 STIPULATION OF FACTS, ORDER OF SUSPENSION AND PROBATION - STRONG