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Shepherd, MT Teacher With History Of Sexual Misconduct Placed On Leave

A high school PE teacher in Shepherd whose extensive history of sexual misconduct recently came to the attention of district administrators will not resume his teaching position this school year.

Shepherd School District Superintendent Scott Carter placed teacher Chris Mattingly on leave after a Google search turned up news reports that detailed more than a decade of inquiries, warnings and suspensions from Mattingly's previous employers.

Carter told MTPR that the district has changed its hiring practices in response to this news. In addition to the currently required federal and state background checks, he says Googling candidates will be a part of the new protocol, and job application forms will include questions about previous investigations and administrative leaves, along with felony convictions.

He said that Mattingly had a "glowing reference" from the head of his previous department.

Carter said that he knows of no current complaints from students at Shepherd High School. The position is currently being filled by a substitute teacher.

Copyright 2020 Montana Public Radio. To see more, visit Montana Public Radio.

Olga is a UM Journalism School graduate student and MTPR reporter and host.