June 14, 2007

Dear Parents,

We recently received information indicating that a former teacher at Sunnyvale Middle School, Mr. Chad Hutchins, was arrested this week by Kaufman County law enforcement authorities on charges related to child pornography. Mr. Hutchins was not assigned to the Elementary campus. Law enforcement officials indicate that Mr. Hutchins may have corresponded with female Jr. High students through Myspace.com.

While the authorities have not identified any inappropriate correspondence involving Sunnyvale ISD students at this time, we encourage you to speak with your student regarding their access to Myspace.com and any possible communication with Mr. Hutchins. Any inappropriate communications should be reported to Detective Jolie Stewart at 1-972-932-9716.

We wish to assure you that, as always, the safety of your children is our highest priority. Sunnyvale ISD will fully cooperate with the ongoing police investigation. We are also conducting our own review of this matter, and at this time there is no indication that Mr. Hutchins engaged in any illegal or inappropriate activities while at school. Mr. Hutchins' employment with Sunnyvale ISD had already ended before the time these allegations surfaced, and he will not be teaching at the District next year.

As a protective measure, the District utilizes a variety of methods to ensure technology is safe and secure for student use. Firewalls, content filtering services, a scaleable and dynamic database that blocks objectionable or unproductive Web content, and reporting tools regarding attempts to access inappropriate websites are just some of the techniques we utilize. More information about the acceptable use of the Internet and access to technology while at school can be found on the district's website under Board Policies. Please look for policy CQ Local.

We will continue to monitor and review our procedures and practices to be sure everything possible is being done to create a safe and secure learning environment for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Seth Adams at the Sunnyvale ISD Superintendent's Office by telephone at 972-226-5974.

Sincerely,

Seth Adams, Superintendent

Sunnyvale Independent School District