Parents demand answers over school sex scandal

Posted at: 10/30/2009 9:32 PM | Updated at: 10/31/2009 9:22 AM
By: Antoinette Antonio, Eyewitness News 4; Matthew Kappus, KOB.com

Hugo Maturino says he's concerned about student safety at Jimmy Carter Middle School, where a teacher allegedly had sex with a student

Dozens of parents at Jimmy Carter Middle School voiced their concerns Friday about a sex scandal involving a teacher and student.

On Wednesday, police arrested social studies teacher Kristy Sanchez-Trujillo for having sex with a 13-year-old student.

Friday night, school officials focused on how parents and students will move forward.

"As the principal of this school, this is the hardest meeting I've had to hold," said Rita Martinez, the school's principal.

Parent Hugo Maturino expressed anger over the incident.

"The teacher is not there to teach you about sex or show you sex. The teacher is there to educate you on your future," he said.

Maturino and his wife have a son in the seventh grade at Jimmy Carter Middle School. Like other parents, they had questions over employee background checks.

The district says Sanchez-Trujillo, whom APS fired Friday, had a clear record. The district couldn't answer whether background checks happen on a regular basis after someone is hired. But they say they conduct checks when there's a red flag.

"I know we're tied in to the different court systems and police. And if the teacher, employee, or anyone at APS has a DUI or goes to the court, that is how we're alerted right now," said APS spokesperson Monica Armenta.

Some parents left the meeting a little more at ease. Other parents said they weren't sure if their children were safe.

The school is urging students to see one of their three counselors if they are feeling uneasy.

 Cops get DNA evidence from teacher
 Teacher ordered to stay away from student

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