L.A. school board votes to fire teacher Rafe Esquith, accused of misconduct
Hobart Avenue Elementary School educator Rafe Esquith, a nationally recognized teacher, has denied wrongdoing. (Beatrice de Gea / Los Angeles Times)
The Los Angeles Board of Education voted this week to fire nationally recognized teacher Rafe Esquith, following a misconduct investigation that included allegations he made an improper joke to students and inappropriately touched minors, according to sources with knowledge of the decision.
The longtime educator at Hobart Avenue Elementary School, who has received national acclaim for his teaching and his bestselling books, has denied wrongdoing.
Acting on the recommendation of senior administrators, the school board voted unanimously behind closed doors Tuesday to begin termination proceedings against Esquith, according to sources who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the matter.
Esquith, 61, was removed from the classroom in April after another educator complained about a joke he made to students relating to nudity. The complaint prompted an investigation, which quickly grew to include other allegations of misconduct.
In a letter to Esquith's attorneys in August, district officials said they were investigating claims that he inappropriately touched minors before and during his more than 30-year teaching career. The district also said the inquiry "revealed multiple inappropriate photographs and videos of a sexual nature." Other allegations involved his handling of a L.A. school board votes to fire teacher Rafe Esquith, accused of misconduct - LA Times: