1 BEFORE THE TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION

2 OF THE STATE OF OREGON

3 In the Matter 0f the ) STIPULATION OF FACTS,

4 Teaching License of ) ORDER OF REVOCATION

5 JAMES WESLEY STEELE ) OF RIGHT TO APPLY

6 On or about April 17, 2003, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

7 (Commission) received information stemming from a news article indicating that a lawsuit had

8 been filed against James Wesley Steele (Steele) for sexual abuse.

9 Mr. Steele declined to submit to an interview regarding these allegations. After review of
10 the matters alleged, Mr. Steele and the Commission agree that their respective interests,
11 together with the public interest, are best served by a stipulation to certain facts and revocation
12 of his right to apply for a teaching license.
13 This Order sets forth the facts upon which the parties have stipulated and the sanction to
14 be imposed. Mr. Steele stipulates that there are sufficient facts contained in the Commission's
15 files and records to support the findings of fact and conclusions of law set forth below. In
16 entering into this stipulation, Mr. Steele waives the right to a hearing to contest the findings of
17 fact, conclusions of law and Order set forth below. Mr. Steele understands that upon surrender
18 the Commission will revoke his right to apply for a teaching license.
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 Mr. Steele nor the
21 Commission are bound by these stipulations and Mr. Steele retains all rights to a hearing on the
22 allegations.
23 STIPULATION 0F FACTS
24 1. Mr. Steele held a Standard Teaching License with endorsements in Standard Health
25 Education and Standard Physical Education, issued April 8, 1998, that expired March 12, 2003.

Page 1 STIPULATION OF FACTS, ORDER OF SURENDER AND REVOCATION - STEELE
3‘

1 2. Mr. Steele retired from the North Clackamas School District in 2001. In 2003 a

2 former student filed a law suit against Steel alleging sexual abuse in the 1970’s. The terms of

3 the settlement of the law suit were not publicly disclosed.

4 3. Mr. Steele declined to be interviewed by TSPC Investigators regarding these

5 allegations.

6 IT IS ‘0 STIPU ‘TED:

lam-w =1: ‘ Date

9 4 1314.?’ 1’ 4MM 9-; 4/0?
1O Victoria Cham e w, Executive Director Date
11 Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
12 CONCLUSION OF LAW
13 James Wesley Steele declined to be interviewed by Commission investigators. This
14 constitutes gross neglect of duty in violation of OAR 584-020-0040(4)(p). The Commission’s
15 authority to impose discipline in this matter is based upon ORS 342.175.
1 6 ORDER
17 The Commission adopts the above Stipulation of Facts and revokes the right of James
18 Wesley Steele to apply for an Oregon Teaching License.
19 IT IS SO ORDERED thiflday of November, 2007.
20 TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
21 W7

, c
22 B ; M
23 Victori ' erlain, Executive Director
Page 2 STIPULATION OF FACTS, ORDER OF SURENDER AND REVOCATION - STEELE