According to the faculty directory, Jason Greenawalt was in the Fine Arts department. (Saved in Google Docs)
I wonder if Dr. Steinhauer is going to defend keeping this photo on the website, like he did with our other sex offender and former teacher.
Note: Photo was removed from Farfrombloggin'. Thanks, Chris Stengel.
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| http://leboband.com/staff.html |
http://www.wtae.com/news/local/allegheny/Mt-Lebanon-High-School-teacher-facing-charges/-/10927008/19220108/-/wpmsr4/-/index.html
http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/arrest-warrant-issued-suspended-mt-lebanon-teacher/nWkCL/
http://m.wtae.com/news/Mt-Lebanon-High-School-teacher-facing-charges/-/16915058/19220108/-/qnbtcz/-/index.html
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/mt-lebanon-high-school-choir-director-surrenders-to-police-678477/
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/3623945-74/greenawalt-police-jason#axzz2NIBiXOW6
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/3616635-74/lebanon-district-greenawalt#axzz2NIBiXOW6
69 comments:
There is something ironic about a letter being sent to parents on a subject like this emblazoned with a graphic bragging about 100 Years of Excellence.
Sad, sad, sad.
Congratulations to Dr. Steinhauer for dealing with this promptly.
2:31, I'm sure the alleged victims feel otherwise.
Dr. Steinhauer did the right thing by getting this story out to the parents of this community, and hopefully he will be as transparent as the law permits during the ensuing investigation.
Unfortunately, this kind of thing is being reported more frequently in public schools across Western Pennsylvania (and across America for that matter) despite all the background checks and safeguards built into the system; a fact easily verified by reading a newspaper or watching the 11 O'Clock news.
The next time our school board bellows about the moral superiority of public vs. private/charter schools I hope Mt. Lebanon parents will gauge the rhetoric against the reality that no school system is absolutely pure, and that high taxes do not insulate families from drugs on the one hand, or accusations of corruption of children by authority figures on the other.
To play devil's advocate..... it all could be untrue. What if the allegations are false?
I believe that background checks and clearances occur only during the interview and hiring process. If true, then based on actual individual employment/tenure periods, clearances could be years or decades old news.
That's not very comforting.
Bill Lewis
4:26 I had the same thought, innocent until proven guilty.
WTAE reported: "Lt. Aaron Lauth said the accusations, which date back to 2010, were made by a male student who graduated in 2012. The "inappropriate communications" involve text messages and social media, Lauth said."
The claim that this involves texting and social media would make one think the evidence is pretty solid and justifies the prompt response by the district.
Right you are, 4:48.
The only way out is, "The cellphone was not in my possession at the time of the text message."
Then the authorities can call witnessess who had cellphone discussions with the same person with the same cellphone number at about the same time testify to it.
I am not a lawyer and I don't play one on the blog.
Doesn't Steinhauer keep tabs on what goes on in the music and performing arts departments?
What will happen with the current musical production Seussical?
For those who are surprised by this, understand that this happens all over the country. Take a trip over to http://news.google.com and search for "Sex with student" and see how many hits show up. Usually 3 to 5 cases show up in the news a day.
Background checks don't mean boo unless someone has done something before and got caught.
I can't criticize any of the school officials or police on this as I don't know the details but everyone should understand it's a problem that is happening everywhere. The best thing you can do is keep tabs of what's going on with your kids.
Its a good thing we're getting a new hotel on Washington Road, a couple more news stories and the community could become Sin City East.
We've got bumping and grinding at school dances, drugs in the Parks (look what that did for Amsterdam), bare breast in the library and according to Fake Lebo drunken bacchanals at the tennis courts. Bring in some off track betting facilities and some energy-efficient neon street lighting and we'll have it made.
Now if we can knotted MTL magazine to add a centerfold, people might actually read it -- for the articlesof course!
Correction... If we can convince MTL magazine to add a centerfold, people might actually read it -- for the articles of course.
4:26 if the allegations are false the teacher will be reinstated.
To the Anonymous Commenters at 1:53, 3:07,4:26,4:48, 5:52,7:47, you are insensitive, mean spirited "human beings". And I use the term Human Beings loosely.
Good heavens, what if This Happened to Your Child, Grandchild or Nephew? Would you be so brazen that you can not Even Put You Name To Your Post?
And Shame on you Elaine Gillian for accepting anonymous comments. Granted there is nothing illegal about your policy however for a topic as sensitive as this, it is certain immoral. Would you have posted this story If It Was YOUR Son? Will you even print my complete response without your editorial prowess?
Shame YOU ALL!
Rob Papke
6:55, just because it happens everywhere makes it okay? really?
Parents are supposed to keep tabs on their kids while they are in District custody?
It is truly ironic the way the District treats parents like child molesters while it has teachers who are actively molesting.
The District even says they are the education experts and puts town parents who know what is best for their children.
As a former student of Jason's, I can tell you for sure that he is not the man that the media is portraying him to be. He's a great guy, a wonderful teacher, and I trust that there is more to this story than what people are seeing. I trust and stand behind Jason no matter what the outcome of this is. Whether or not he did it, I will always treasure our time together, and I would trust him to teach my future students in a heartbeat.
4:26, 4:48 and 5:52 were actually standing up for the teacher Rob, pointing out that he may be innocent.
I find your holier than thou attitude quite interesting. How come there is no criticism of the Post Gazette, Tribune Review, WTAE or CBS?
Then again, how about Dr. Steinhauer and Cissy Bowman? Dr. S blabbed it to the community and Bowman probably filled in the media.
Furthermore, where was your indignation when a certain official and their family was lambasted in the press for something far less onerous. Not a peep Me. Papke, why was that?
Anonymous comments is the reason for my "Holier Than Thou" comments. Anonymous comments like yours, 8:47 are for weenies. Grow Some and Use Your Name.
Yes, it true that the perp is innocent until proven guilty, so why hide behind "anonymous"?
The Post and the Trib do not take anonymous editorials, duh. And the TV News will only hides someone face if the interviewee fears for their life.
8:47, what do you fear? So why not use your name??
Grow Some, people or shut up.
Rob Papke
8:33, I hope you are right... but there is something in your post that I don't understand.
I'm not trying to be snarky, or argumentative but just trying to understand what you've written.
You write: "I trust and stand behind Jason no matter what the outcome of this."
I see this as something that shouldn't ever happen. The student graduated in 2012 and apparently started in 2010. Meaning that there is a very high probability that the student was a minor. That makes it unacceptable in my opinion. Doesn't mean it's been proven yet, but if it didn't occur the teacher shouldn't have allowed himself to be caught in the appearances of communicating with this student. Teachers are or should be trained to recognize trouble like this.
But the real question for me, is at what point would you not stand behind Jason? At what age would the student have to be for you to say this wrong,just plain wrong? Oils they have have to be 12? How about 8? Four?
Let take your familiarity with Mr. G out of the exquation. How young does a teacher's student have to be so that inappropriate texting does take place and is considered wrong?
Seriously forget about today's news. What is age appropriate behavior in your opinion?
Rob, maybe they fear that you will single them out by name, as you have done with me.
Editorial prowess? Was that YOUR anonymous comment that I shortened because it was so over the top? I am sorry. I decided that it was better to print the part that was printable, rather than none of it at all.
Back to the subject.
Elaine
Telling people to shut up Rob!
Who died and made you Chief?
Rob, I fear people like you and some of your friends.
Not because I'm afraid of you face to face, but because of the underhanded, sneaky crap some of you pull.
It's funny we already had a similar discussion on why the State of Delaware allows teachers to submit info anonymously. Why is that Rob? Don! The teachers in Delaware have any either?
Thank you for posting my comment in full, Elaine. I have talked with a few contributors that have had their comments edited by you, in the past. Yes, in the past as I have stopped reading your Blog ever since you have allowed anonymous comments.
I single you out because of your editing; editing, not because it was vulgar but because it shed an unkind light upon you. But, Thank you for posting mine in full and no I try very hard to practice what I preach. I would never write anything that I could not put my name to.
Also, I know this family and they are good people. I can't even imagine what they must be going through. It is tough enough to have this played across the media but it is just plain wrong for people not to have the guts to put their name behind their words. .
I stopped reading your blog almost a year ago, Elaine because I was disheartened when you let anyone/everyone to hide behind "Anonymous". I was curious as to what your anonymous writers would have to say. Well, not much has changed.
Good day, Elaine and thank you for your time.
Rob Papke
Whatever, Rob. I only published half of a comment once. I have 167 unpublished comments in my spam folder. Seems like you need to find better friends, I mean, contributors.
Elaine
Looks like your blogging has gone to your head allready, Mr. Papke. Will you be allowed to do your own moderating, or are you taking it out on Elaine because PIO will oversee your Blog ? Grow Some yourself and start your own Blog ! You can run it any way you want. Just like Elaine. Elaine never brought up the family. You did ! How embarrassing for them.
Grow some or shut up...thats what passes for intelligent rhetoric from Papke and his friends. Those would be the same people who lied to the public, engaged in character attacks during an election, have spread rumors about other residents have pushed their insane leftist agenda on the community. Did they "grow some"?
Just go away Papke. Nobody wants to hear you. And if this page is that bad why are you here?
Unfortunately WPIX in there broadcast this evening insinuated there may be more students involved..
OMG. I hope they are wrong. WPXI does get things wrong sometimes. I hope this is one of those times.
Elaine
WPXI's website includes this message:
"Parents or students who may have any information or concerns regarding this matter are encouraged to contact the Mt. Lebanon Police Department.”
I am getting hits from colleges all over the US. In case you are looking for a NONEMERGENCY email address, it is
mlpdmgt@mtlebanon.org.
Elaine
http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/arrest-warrant-issued-suspended-mt-lebanon-teacher/nWkCL/
Elaine
11:01 you are so right.
Right away Rob goes on the attack, makes it appear the real crime is occurring here rather than with the alleged incident.
Anonymous bloggers are the problem, yeah right.
Our anonymous comments are infringing on civil rights, raising taxes and giving Lebo a bad name. Sure, Rob polite gentleman he is thinks he has the authority to insist people must sign there name or shut up simply because HE said they should.
Papke,
This reminds me of the controversy when James Fraasch was upset that parents aligned with your BOSN group used a child as a ploy to advance your agendas to spend more than was affordable on an exotic high school design/renovation by posting the child's picture and other biographical information on the internet.
Do you remember how you all beat Fraasch up for trying to protect a child? How interesting that you are jumping into this issue when you and your cohorts displayed complete disregard for a child's safety.
1:41 AM, technically the same group, but it was VOICE, not BOSN. I believe she held up the letter, "O."
Elaine
Oh, that's right...VOICE was the BOSN redux.
Let's not pit Rob and I against eachother.
I do consider Rob a friend. We often disagree on political issues but I can say that about a number of my friends. The thing is, we often agree as well.
Regarding the post that brought up my name, at the time I was simply suggesting there was a lot of identifiable information about a young student published on a website and I suggested not removing the picture but removing the identifying information about the student is all. My intent, in my opinion, was clearly misunderstood by the target (the parents of said student) of my request.
Mr. Papke had nothing to do with that incident.
This teacher accusation is a touchy subject and I, like Elaine, hope the suggestions of there being more students involved turn out to be false. Not because I don't want Mt. Lebanon to get more bad press, but because situations like these can be devastating to young lives.
James
Blaise set bond at $20,000 straight cash and said he was done with this (expletive).
http://m.wtae.com/news/Mt-Lebanon-High-School-teacher-facing-charges/-/16915058/19220108/-/qnbtcz/-/index.html
Elaine
Parents, watch your sons. He posted bail.
Elaine, in allowing that comment, you've reached a new low. You must be proud.
Dave Franklin
Yes, Dave, you must subscribe to the same philosophy as Rob Papke. Let's keep it all under the rug. That is why the media just loves us.
Elaine
Papke and Franklin go after the blogger. Sweet.
Franklin, you must be proud of the way you've behaved in the community as well. Save the indignation, pal. And I ask the same question of you I asked of Mr. Hit and Run Papke--if this blog is so awful why do you keep reading it and commenting?
Papke, Franklin are entitled to express their opinions as much as anyone here in my opinion, but in the end it's Elaine's blog and she can allow or diallow whatever comments she chooses. If Papke wants to tell people to shut up, he can shout it from the top of the parking garage if he wishes, I won't pay any attention to him.
I thought 1:42's comment unnecessary but again, it's a free country.
What really has me disturbed is the comment made by a student in the news story. They said something along the lines of (I'm trying to get it down accurately) "the primary thing to remember here is that this about somebody's personal life, if they're found guilty it's terrible..."
The primary thing to remember... Is this is somebody's personal life!????? Really that's the primary thing? The primary thing in my opinion is that an adult is accused of engaging in inappropriate, illegal activity with a minor! That is the primary thing!!!
If he's found guilty, he's a criminal.
If he's innocent, he will be exonerated.
To continue, I wonder if these students that spoke on camera would be so calm wher it were there little baby sister or brother involved in this affair?
Yes, we cannot determine guilt or innocence and I hope Elaine keeps it in check. The courts will work this out.
Recently we had a big rush to ban guns, put police in the high school - we must protect the child at all cost!
How come we aren't seeing this same rush to do something here. How do you protect the children from the protectors? That's the issue before us in this forum immediately, not whether the teacher is innocent or guilty.
Keeping it in check? Here is what I know. We have had a chemistry teacher, a cross country track coach, and now a chorus teacher arrested. Wasn't there another coach from a few years back too? Who should be keeping things in check? Me?
Here is the latest from the PG, where we were reminded of the track coach.
Mt. Lebanon High School choir director surrenders to police after sexting allegation
Elaine
Rop Papke what is your agenda and what is your vision for Mt. Lebanon..
Through all of this...I hope you all remember that teachers are not monsters. There are bad eggs, as there are in ANY field of work. Most teachers are dedicated to one thing, bettering YOUR children's lives through sharing of knowledge, and guiding them in life.
As disheartening (sad and even sickening) as stories like these are, please try to refrain from harsh over simplifications, broad generalizations, and placing a tainted stigma over the hard working, and in my opinion VERY underpaid unsung heroes of our society.
4:28 PM, do we really want or need to know his agenda?
Elaine
I was referring to keeping the comments in check on this week's allegations. I know I don't have all the facts to be making comments attacking or defending this teacher or the student. I don't want to be a judge or jury.
I will be a business owner (as a school district taxpayer we are the shareholders) I can be a manager though. This employee used poor judgement and should be dismissed regardless of outcome. I've seen employees in the private sector fired for much less.
Elaine you are most certainly correct, we've had an inordinate amount of bad teacher incidents lately.
Here's one thing I suggest the board do immediately.set a policy that any inappropriate communication uncovered between a student and teacher will resort in immediate dismissal.
Part of the policy should include that if a student communicates with a teacher in a manner that could even be construed as inappropriate the teacher MUST, ABSOLUTELY MUST report the contact to the superintendent and guidance department.
Then the parents should receive notification from the district.
Failure to do so will upon evidence of such initial contact will mean termination for the teacher.
I'm sure there are probably some legal issues that will need to be resolved.
Check out Policy GBEE.
http://www.mtlsd.org/district/stuff/policy/gbee%20student%20communications.pdf
It was adopted October 17, 2011. I sat through all the Policy meetings when it was discussed.
Elaine
4:58 do we really need a kumbaya pep talk?
Of course there are great teachers, bad teachers and everything in between. There are in every occupation.
In private industry an inappropriate joke, touch or leer can result in immediate dismissal. When it happens no one runs through the building making comments that there are great, good and bad employees so let's not lump every one together.
Elaine,, sorry i asked that question, im just curious, all i know of Mr. Papke is the campaign manager of my current Lebo Comm. campaign manager.. enough said.. her biggest issue is the culling of the deer..
Students themselves should have ZERO communications with teachers on social media. All correspondence ought to be done on a district sponsored and monitored message board on the classroom webpages. As a teacher, I'm dumbfounded that teachers would think it's ok to contact students on social media- way too easy to cross a line.
The seventh review of this policy podcast is here:
http://lebocitizens.com/Lebo_Citizens/Podcasts/Entries/2011/10/4_Entry_1.html
Elaine
The sixth review is here.
http://lebocitizens.com/Lebo_Citizens/Podcasts/Entries/2011/9/6_Entry_1.html
To hear all the podcasts for Social Networking, count back month by month.
Elaine
4:58 under paid. Really?
If they are as under paid as you say they're certainly free to apply to a school that pays better.
No one is forcing them to work for substandard wages.
What, what's that you say... there aren't many districts in Pennsylvania that pay better than Mt. Lebanon. Hmmm, curious.
Without implying that many of you are "behind the times," as a recent graduate, I'd like to politely argue that texting and some forms of social media are not typically dangerous. Teachers who run clubs or other student organizations often need to be in quick contact with students. I was involved in several clubs in which the president or other leaders had the advisor teacher's cell number, which was only ever used responsibly. Some teachers also have Twitter accounts to send reminders and answer questions as many students don't really use email regularly.
Also, please keep in mind that almost no details have been released yet. Labeling this accused teacher as a sex offender seems very premature, especially considering the accusations don't include any physical sexual contact.
Sorry, one more thing. Several of you noted the assistant track coach from 2011. His behavior was no doubt inappropriate, and I am not defending it by ANY means, but he was 20 years old and the student was 15/16. It was a consensual relationship that was reported by the student's parents. We seem to forget that individuals in these situations are humans, not just court case figures.
11:19 makes a good point, to isolate teachers and students from using technology to communicate "appropriately" because of a bad misuse is foolish.
Finding the teacher guilty prematurely is foolish as well. I think we can say though there was a lack of good judgement by a professional that should've known better.
I have had a little more than 1200 visitors read this post. I am surprised that no one has brought up anything about GrindR. I have been trying to find out if there is an age restriction, but the page isn't responding when I Google it. Google isn't that smart, is it?
Elaine
Elaine- GrindR is a smart phone app. Users are supposed to confirm that they are 17 before downloading it, but you can easily just lie--the student presumably did so. The app uses your location to link you to profiles of nearby men who are online.
I knew it was an app for that purpose, so I was curious about the age restriction. Thanks.
Elaine
Being a student of Greenawalts, I only know him as a great man who cared very much about music and what he taught. He is very dedicated to his teachings. As a male, I never felt uncomfortable with him. Although what he allegedly did was wrong and inappropriate, if the two really did communicate via GrindR, that was wrong of the student. Apparently you must verify twice that you are 18 and so if they contacted on GrindR while the accuser was under 18, that would be not okay for the at-the-time sophomore. Especially if the relationship began on GrindR and under the pretenses that Greenawalt thought the kid was an adult.
Thank you, 7:48 PM. I agree with you.
Elaine Gillen
7:48, Here's what the article says:
"He said the explicit messages were exchanged via phone, texting and social networking.
The student says Greenawalt sent him an article in the summer of 2011 about a school track coach who was arrested for allegedly having sex with a student and told him, 'Thank you for keeping your mouth shut,' according to the complaint."
It does not matter what age verification methods a social networking website uses. It should be very clear the teacher knew the age of the alleged victim.
From information provided in the news report, let's review:
PA Code CHAPTER 235 § 235.10. (3) The professional educator may not sexually harass or engage in sexual relationships with students
1) The teacher knew the alleged victim was a student at the time.
2) The teacher had access to the true age of the alleged victim.
3) The teacher referenced another similar incident at the same school.
Being a student of Greenawalts, if your little brother or sister were involved in this would you be so generous in your praise?
Last I heard teacher or not, straight or not, society today frowns upon sexually oriented contact between a minor and an adult.
Yes, we don't know yet that the adult was aware of the students age, but as 11:29 points out it sure looks like he did.
Going beyond that, what sort of person would send photos to someone they don't know?
I can remember the district's counselors advise the students to be careful posting and sending info. College freshman are advised in orientation meetings to know exactly whom and what your posting.
How isit an adult educator missed the warnings?
I know people post all sorts if goofy things on the social networks like Facebook etc.
This baffles me.
Complaining about the HS keeping the photo up on a blog...but then you doing the same, is somewhat hypocritical. Due to the negative light that situations like this cause, I think the other staff in that would also appreciate you taking it down off yours as well...
12:56, you fail to recognize the difference between a public school district and an adult individual's online blog.
The school district is a taxing government political subdivision charged with educating the children to community standards. The district has the incredible power to tax the citizens, lien property and confiscate private property by eminent domain.
The blog is Keeping the Community Informed.
The first amendment right of Elaine and others on this blog is very different from the government using public tax dollars to further its agenda on the very citizen subjects who fund its existence.
@ 1:13
First of all, a picture of marching band staff off their website (which is not run by, or paid for by the district)isn't any type of "agenda". Both the District blog (farfrombloggin)and the Band websites both removed the images promptly.
I was merely saying, if you want to maintain a picture of the accused on your own personal site, fine, crop out the other teachers. Lighting the torches and pounding down the door to get the district to take down a photo, while keeping it on yours is excessively hypocritical.
Elaine is usually good about these situations, like her thanking farfrombloggin for removing the photo promptly.
12:13, are you saying the marching band staff is not paid for by the district? They are public employees.
The photo was taken in a public place.
They posed for it.
There is nothing obscene about the picture.
There is no expectation of privacy for the people in the picture.
Why should Elaine alter the picture provided to her by a political subdivision?
Are you one of the people in the picture?
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