By: gofaribs on 12/10/08
The people of Faribs are never happy with the FDN. That's just how it goes. I think you made the right call here. The link to Beaumaster's letter isn't working in either spot though, it just brings up the letter of deficiency.

By: JohnAgliata on 12/10/08
Gofaribs, Thanks for noting the technical problem. It should be fixed.

By: sloopy on 12/10/08
The FDN is absolutely correct in publishing any type of substantiated inappropriate coduct by a school district employee as parents have the right to know who is doing these kind of activites. It is not trashing someone to publish this info, they are simply being held accountable for their actions. This is not a adult working with adults, this is a teacher working with vulnerable children who did not cease these activities after being sent a letter of correction. Reap what you sow is my motto.

By: MNBear on 12/11/08
The FDN was off base here. I've read the documentation, and it is nothing more than conjecture and hearsay from a bunch of children. No one is claiming that anything inappropriate happened, just that "rumors" have been circulated. And, the "Letter of Deficiency" is not related, in any way, to the current issue - not being able to control an overcrowded classroom is a far cry from being charged with criminal sexual conduct.

The most important fact in the whole report is that Judge Johnson REFUSED to even issue a search warrant for cell phone records. He said there was no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed. A search warrant is easy to get, assuming you have SOME evidence of wrongdoing. There is none here. That's why the county attorney left it alone.

The FDN was wrong here. These are unsubstantiated rumors, nothing more. If the teacher was charged with something, that would be another story.

And, for sloopy, if "reap what your sow" is your motto, then you'd better watch out. You're being awfully hypocritical and judgmental. That, too, will come back on you, if your motto is to be believed.

By: snapple on 12/11/08
Anybody ever read the book "A Map of the World"? It has been years since I have read it, but a woman/mother/teacher was wrongly accused of child abuse. It might be a good read for Faribault right now.

By: JaneDoe on 12/11/08
This is absolutely horrendous and sad. I don't live in Faribault anymore, but I do have close ties with the Prieve family. None of them deserve this, and the Daily News should be ashamed.
As MNBear stated before me, Judge Johnson did NOT want to look at cell phone records. This is a very important piece to this puzzle.
Another thing that must be considered: What eighth grader WOULDN'T LIE when being interviewed, most likely with a parent sitting with them? What child would say, "I acted inappropriately with my teacher, even when she said no"? Wake up.
I think that this publication needs to look BEYOND HEARSAY when putting forth a story. There is no foundation that this story stands upon. You are doing nothing but humiliate a teacher, a wife, a mother, and most importantly, a human being.
Think about others feelings instead of the next big scoop next time. No wonder they call this newspaper the "Faribault Daily Mistake" on the street.

By: JonDoe on 12/11/08
As a parent of an eighth grader out of town, I believe community members should be aware. We also need to trust our children. They are taught from an early age to tell their parents when someone has done something against them. Did FDN take the story too far? Maybe, but at the same time parents are aware. As for the first story, I did believe FDN had to respond. I had heard this story a while ago
(and I live out-of-town), and it was good to see that FDN clarified and let community members no criminal action has been taken. While no criminal charges were filed, I do believe that the subject did cross many boundaries as a teaching professional.

Now that the story has broken, we cannot go back and change what has been said. It caused damage to more than the subject, but it caused damage to the already damaged reputation of Faribault schools, as well as, many families. Maybe instead of bashing, we should all take the time to say a prayer for all of the families involved. (That is if the public school system will allow a prayer.)

By: hans on 12/11/08
JaneDoe, your entire posting is based on assumptions while the newspaper article is based ENTIRELY on public and official record. And I'm sure your "close ties with the Prieve family" play no part in your comdemning the story and childish jabs.

By: JaneDoe on 12/11/08
I just hate to see a family humiliated because of this terrible situation, hans, don't you? No one deserves this kind of slander if it hasn't yet been proven.

By: tucsonleonard on 12/11/08
Has anyone had a chance to talk to the students other then the ones involved in the investigation? Many of the children feel they are being punished by keeping Ms. Prieve out of the classroom and having a sub. Shouldn't they have some say in this? I hope people will take the time to consider this. There are questions of inappropriateness? Is it appropriate for the Faribault Senior High School to offer computer Matchmaking services to our kids for $3? Will that be the next big "scoop"? There are other issues in this school district that need to be addressed and I pray that the new school board elect will address other things besides this unfortunate incident.

By: JaneDoe on 12/13/08
I can see how that would happen. I had Mrs. Prieve when I was in 8th grade, and she was an excellent teacher.

By: castleda64 on 12/14/08
I don't know Shelley Prieve. What I do know is that the Faribault Middle School over the years has failed our children. It seems to me that Mrs. Prieve has at most made the mistake of treating her students like young adults. I don't know if this is even what should be called a mistake. I think more teachers should do the same. Every thing I have read in the "Private" memos between the Middle School principal, Investigators report and County Attorneys Memo. This News Paper has failed another family of this community by reporting absolutely nothing. Let me repeat this, I can not find anything that holds any credence. The Faribault Mistake should be held legally responsible for destroying Mrs. Prieve reputation. As well as the pain this story has caused her family!
I recall not to long ago a Principal of the FSD being suspended and investigated but I don't recall anything like this being published in the paper. If I am correct all we ever heard was that this would violate the Principals right to privacy under the Privacy act of when ever! So where is Mrs. Prieve's Right to Privacy?
Why don’t the FSD and FPD investigate and deal with the gangs "Mexican mafia" to mention just one. Seems as a lot of time was wasted going on a witch hunt. When there are far worse issues, taking place in the FMS