Queen Creek unified adapts to state law on mandatory reporting

By Janet Perez
Mail | X: @AzNewsmedia

The Queen Creek Unified School District has updated its policy on mandatory reporters based on new state legislation that goes into effect on Saturday.

The QCUSD governing board unanimously approved the policy change at its Tuesday meeting. The change was on the board’s consent agenda in which all items are handled through one motion and vote.

The change came after the Arizona Legislature passed and Gov. Katie Hobbs signed legislation that requires mandatory reporters such as teachers, school district employees and board members to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

“The safety of our students is the governing board’s highest priority,” Samantha Davis, president of the QCUSD governing board, stated in an email. “These updates reinforce the strong reporting practices already in place at QCUSD.”

Under the new law, mandatory reporters with a “reasonable belief that a minor has been the victim of a crime” must report directly to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction, the Department of Child Services or tribal law enforcement, according to the new policy.

“Reporting to a school resource officer or school safety officer is insufficient and their authority to investigate is limited,” the policy states. “Mandatory reporters do not meet their statutory obligation by reporting to a district supervisor or another district employee.”

In addition, a mandatory reporter who has “direct knowledge” that a child is being abused or neglected must “immediately” report the information to DCS and “may not delegate this responsibility to another person.”

“The state statute reinforces the procedures already in place across our district and strengthens our continued focus on student safety and well-being,” according to a statement from QCUSD Superintendent Perry Berry.

Janet Perez can be reached at jperez@iniusa.org. Please send your comments about this article to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Janet Perez
News Editor | Queen Creek & San Tan Valley

jperez@iniusa.org

Meet Janet
Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State  University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.

Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.

Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science. 

Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.  

Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.