Six School Employees Suspected Teacher's Alleged Child Abuse

Special Education teacher Alexia Bogdis was on Feb. 4 for allegedly kicking, slapping and depriving students of food, but six district employees had suspected abuse months before that, a district investigation has determined.

By law, teachers and administrators must immediately contact Child Protective Services (CPS) if they suspect any abuse. The state defines immediately as “as soon as practically possible.” The staff member must then pen a written notification and contact law enforcement within 36 hours. 

All employees are made aware of this obligation upon hire when they sign a statement.

“Nothing’s more important than keeping our children safe,” Redwood City Elementary Superintendent Jan Christensen said. “Parents entrust their children to us.”

An internal district review determined that of , six knew of possible abuse and did not meet their legal obligation to report it. Employees reported the suspected abuse to their immediate supervisor in December, but did not notify the district until Feb. 1.

If Bogdis is found innocent of the charges against her, this does not change the fact that the employees failed to report their suspicions immediately, Christensen explained.

The six employees will face disciplinary action, which could range from verbal reprimanding to termination, Christensen said.

The district will consider the employees’ performance during their time at the district before making any final decisions. At the Feb. 22 school board meeting, many parents publicly who were placed on administrative leave.   

Moving Forward

The district is now requiring all employees to complete a 45-minute online training that has recently become available to districts. Administrators will also take this training, as will all current staff members.

Christensen said she had taken the training and found it very useful.

“We’re trying to increase resources available,” Christensen said.

“We are committed to following the highest standards of safety in the Redwood City School District,” she added.

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