LA elementary school probe complete

Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy said Saturday the investigation of two teachers accused of lewd acts with students is complete. In a 4-minute video address sent to all employees in the district, Deasy said the investigation at Miramonte Elementary School is complete, and the rest of the staff -- minus two teachers facing criminal charges -- will be able to return, the Los Angeles Times reported. "The reason that I wanted to address you is because I know that the actions of the arrested teachers at Miramonte, and the other schools, do not reflect on you or your professionalism," Deasy said. "I want to say that again. Just because a few members have [allegedly] done terrible things, that are being dealt with appropriately by law enforcement officials, that does not reflect on the amazing teaching, leadership and classified staff that I see every day in LAUSD." Trouble at the school surfaced in 2010 when a third-grade teacher took some film to be developed and a clerk told police it contained disturbing images of children. Mark Berndt faces 23 felony counts for allegedly blindfolding, gagging and spoon-feeding semen to third graders. Last week Martin Bernard Springer, a second-grade teacher, was arrested on charges of fondling children in separate incidents within the last three years. "Despite our efforts to improve instruction and survive massive budget cuts, our first responsibility is to protect the children in our care," Deasy said Saturday, adding, "It is important that our communities continue to feel safe in our schools. As you know, better than any, often our schools serve as a refuge for families." Deasy said the investigation found the district could better train staff on how to handle and report abuse. Miramonte is one of the largest elementary schools in Los Angeles with 150 teachers and administrators and some 1,500 students. "Clearly, several individuals have violated the most sacred trust we have," Deasy told parents earlier this month.