The Mercer County School Board has placed Superintendent Timothy Farquer on paid administrative leave following his arrest on charges of illegally accessing student medical records. The board's unanimous 6-0 decision was made Friday afternoon based on the advice of legal counsel, according to an official district statement.
Key Takeaways
- Mercer County Superintendent Timothy Farquer was placed on paid administrative leave by a unanimous board vote.
- The action follows Farquer's arrest on charges of illegally accessing student medical records to obtain vaccine information.
- Two district IT employees, Amberly Norton and Andrea Long, were also charged in connection with the incident.
- The school board has appointed two former superintendents, Alan Boucher and Scott Petrie, to serve as interim leaders.
Board Takes Decisive Action
The Mercer County School Board acted swiftly after Superintendent Timothy Farquer was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in court Thursday. In a special meeting, the board voted 6-0 to place him on paid administrative leave, a standard procedure in such cases to allow for legal processes to unfold without disrupting district operations.
In a media release, the district emphasized its commitment to the school community. “Our priority remains providing a stable, supportive environment for our students, staff, and families,” the statement read. The decision was made explicitly on the advice of the district's legal team.
Understanding Administrative Leave
Paid administrative leave is a temporary removal of an employee from their duties while an investigation or legal matter is pending. It is not a disciplinary action itself but a tool used by employers to ensure operational integrity and allow for a thorough review of allegations. The employee continues to receive their salary and benefits during this period.
Details of the Allegations
Court records indicate that the charges against Farquer stem from allegations that he illegally accessed confidential student medical files. The primary focus of the alleged data breach was to obtain student vaccination information. This raises significant concerns about student privacy and the proper handling of sensitive data within the school system.
The investigation also led to charges against two district IT employees, Amberly Norton and Andrea Long. While they have been formally charged, the school district has not released any information regarding their current employment status. The involvement of IT personnel suggests the alleged access may have involved technical systems designed to protect such records.
Student Privacy is Legally Protected
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. This law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education and generally requires parental consent before disclosing personally identifiable information from a student's education records.
Interim Leadership Appointed to Ensure Stability
To maintain continuity and stable leadership, the school board appointed two experienced former superintendents, Alan Boucher and Scott Petrie, to serve as interim superintendents. The board expressed confidence in their ability to guide the district through this challenging period.
“We are confident that with the leadership of Mr. Boucher and Mr. Petrie, Mercer County Schools will continue to thrive,” officials stated. The appointment of two individuals with deep roots in the region's education system is intended to reassure parents, staff, and students.
Experienced Educators Take the Helm
Both interim superintendents bring extensive administrative experience to the role, which will be crucial for managing the district's day-to-day functions. Their familiarity with Mercer County and surrounding districts is a significant asset.
- Scott Petrie is a former superintendent of the Mercer County school district. His prior experience within the same district provides immediate institutional knowledge and familiarity with its staff, policies, and community dynamics.
- Alan Boucher also previously served as superintendent for Mercer County until 2015. He then led the neighboring Sherrard School District from 2015 to 2022. Most recently, he served as the interim superintendent for the Rock Island-Milan School District in 2023, giving him recent experience in a transitional leadership role.
District Promises Transparency Moving Forward
Throughout its public communications, the Mercer County School Board has stressed a commitment to transparency. Board members have assured the community that they will share more information as it becomes legally permissible to do so. This approach aims to build and maintain public trust as the legal case against Farquer and the two other employees proceeds.
“Our priority remains providing a stable, supportive environment for our students, staff, and families.”
The board's focus is now on ensuring that educational instruction and school activities continue without interruption. The presence of Boucher and Petrie is designed to provide the steady leadership required to achieve that goal while the district navigates the legal and administrative fallout from the charges against its suspended superintendent.
The community now awaits further developments from the court proceedings and the school district's internal review. The outcome will have significant implications for district leadership and data security protocols moving forward.
