Marina
In a significant development in Leavenworth, Kansas, three employees of the Leavenworth School District have been charged with failure to report suspected child abuse, a legal obligation for educators and administrators in the state.
This case has drawn attention due to its connection to a previous misconduct incident involving a former teacher.
The Charges
1. Failure to Report Child Abuse
The three district employees—Assistant Principals Alyssa O’Neal and Kelsey Stimatze, and Executive Director of Human Resources Amy Sloan—are each facing multiple counts of failure to report child abuse or neglect.
In Kansas, educators and certain other professionals are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
Court documents indicate that these individuals had reason to believe a child had been harmed but failed to make the required reports. While the specific details of the cases are not publicly disclosed, the charges highlight the serious nature of the allegations and the legal responsibilities of school personnel.
2. Connection to Former Teacher’s Misconduct
These charges come in the wake of a previous misconduct case involving former elementary teacher Jerome Riscovallez. In February 2025, Riscovallez was arrested and charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Additional charges have since been filed against him, including criminal restraint and four counts of battery.
While the current charges against the three employees are not directly linked to Riscovallez’s alleged actions, he is listed as a witness in all three complaints. This suggests a possible connection between the cases, though the exact nature of this relationship remains unclear.
District’s Response
The Leavenworth School District has stated that all three employees remain active in their positions. A district spokesperson emphasized that, due to confidentiality obligations for students and staff, and to avoid intervening in the judicial process, the district has no additional comment to provide at this time.
This response underscores the district’s commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to legal processes while the cases are ongoing.
Legal Framework for Reporting Child Abuse in Kansas
In Kansas, the law mandates that certain professionals, including educators, administrators, and first responders, report any suspected child abuse or neglect. This requirement is in place to ensure that children are protected and that any potential abuse is investigated promptly.
Failure to report suspected abuse can result in criminal charges, as seen in this case. The law emphasizes the importance of timely reporting to safeguard the well-being of children.
Community Reactions
Parents and community members have expressed a range of emotions in response to these developments. Jennifer Hull, a parent of a student involved in the case, stated, “I have a little bit of relief to know that they are holding everybody accountable for what happened.”
Other parents have echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope that the legal proceedings will bring clarity and justice.
These reactions highlight the community’s concern for the safety and well-being of students and the importance of accountability within educational institutions.
The charges against the three Leavenworth School District employees underscore the critical importance of adhering to legal obligations to report suspected child abuse. These cases serve as a reminder to all educators and administrators of their responsibility to protect students and ensure a safe learning environment.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is essential for the community to remain informed and engaged, supporting efforts to uphold the law and safeguard the well-being of children.