._ ‘Y
BEFORE THE TEACHERS STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
. OF THE STATE OF OREGON
In the Matter of the STIPULATION AND ORDER OF
Teaching License of SUSPENSION
TIMOTHY W. HOOD
On or about March 6, 2000, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
(Commission) notified Timothy W. Hood that a report had been filed alleging that Mr.
Hood misused his school computer to access sexually explicit material over the
Internet. The complaint was filed by Len Arney, the Assistant to the Superintendent
of the Springfield School District.
Mr. Hood fully cooperated with the Commission's investigation and did not
contest the allegations. After review of the matters alleged, Mr. Hood and the
Commission have agreed that their respective interests, together with the public
interest, are best served by a stipulation to certain facts and the imposition of a 90 day
‘ suspension, followed by a period of probation of two years. This Order sets forth the
facts upon which the parties have agreed and the sanction to be imposed. In entering
into this stipulation, Mr. Hood waives his right to a hearing to contest the findings of
fact, conclusion of law and order set forth below.
STIPULATED FACTS
I. Mr. Hood holds an Oregon Teaching License. He was employed by the
Springfield School District as a substitute teacher from approximately October
of 1999 to February of 2000. Mr. Hood has a positive record with the
Springfield School District.
I
2. During the 1999-2000 school year, a District-owned computer with Internet l
access was present in Mr. Hood's classroom for his use in connection with his I
' assigned responsibilities.
Page 1 - STIPULATION AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION - TIMOTHY W. HOOD

. 3. There was a clearly defined, acceptable use policy in force at that time. On said
computer, there was monitoring software to prohibit all users of the District's
network from accessing sexually explicit or pornography websites. The
District's policy prohibited the use or attempted use of said computer in Internet
access of adult sites, which were also banned via the screening mechanism.

4. The District's screening software recorded that on multiple occasions during
non-student contact time, Mr. Hood used his classroom computer to access
sexually explicit materials through the Internet.

5. No students were present at the times Mr. Hood viewed the above materials on
the computer, nor was there any risk of students viewing the inappropriate
material. However, Mr. Hood realized that this was in violation of District policy
and that he should not have used the computer for viewing sexually explicit

' materials and expressed remorse for so doing.

ULTIMATE FINDING OF FACT
Timothy W. Hood used the computer equipment owned by his employer,
Springfield School District, located on school premises, to access sexually explicit
materials. Although Mr. Hood believed his conduct was private, he should have
known that accessing such materials at the workplace with a District owned computer
was inappropriate and against District policy.
CONCLUSION OF LAW
Timothy W. Hood's activities constitute a gross neglect of duty in violation of
OAR 584-020-0040 l4lial and OAR 584-020»OO4 (4)(b).
Page 2 - STIPULATION AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION - TIMOTHY W. HOOD

. This stipulation is contingent upon approval and adoption of the Order by the
Commission. If the Commission does not adopt this Order, neither Mr. Hood nor the
Commission are bound by these Stipulations and Mr. Hood retains all rights to a
hearing on the allegations.

IT IS SO STIPULATED:
fimothy W. I_-Iood “ BERT ‘-
QM g? ég/ U90
David V. Myton Date
ORDER

. The Oregon Teaching License of Timothy Hood is suspended for a period of 90
days from July 1, 2000. At the end of this suspension period, Mr. Hood's teaching
license will be reinstated upon application and a showing by Mr. Hood that he has
undergone an evaluation at his own expense by a psychotherapist or medical
professional acceptable to the Commission, and the evaluator submits a written report
to the Commission attesting (1) Mr. Hood is fit to work with children and teenagers,
and (2) there is a high probability he will not use school district equipment to access
sexually explicit materials or engage in similar inappropriate behavior.

Following the reinstatement of his teaching license, Mr. Hood shall be placed on
probation by the Commission for a period of two years subject to the following
conditions:

1. Mr. Hood shall substantially comply with any treatment or counseling as

' recommended by the individual who completed the evaluation described above.
Page 3 - STIPULATION AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION - TIMOTHY W. HOOD

. ,> r’

. Mr. Hood shall authorize and sign any consent forms as necessary for the
treatment provider or counselor to furnish records to or discuss Mr. Hood's
treatment with the Commission.

2. Mr. Hood shall comply with all Standards for Competent and Ethical
Performance under Chapter OAR 584, Division 020.

3. Mr‘ Hood shall provide information as requested by the Commission to verify
that he has complied with the conditions of probation.

'1,‘ x
Dated this i Z day of , 2000.
By: é; 59:12‘ (1 l [F 71/7200
' David V. Myton, Executive Director Date
Page 4 - STIPULATION AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION - TIMOTHY W. HOOD