Spindrift School of Performing Arts exists to serve our community— every child, every family, and every artist who walks through our doors. It is our mission to provide a caring safe space for students to learn, develop and grow as performing artists. We require that each member of our team and staff adhere to this commitment.
Spindrift School of Performing Arts requires all required staff to comply with Mandated Reporting Guidelines. There is no gray area when it comes to mandated reporting. Under California Penal Code §11166, anyone designated as a mandated reporter is legally required to report suspected abuse—immediately. You do not delay. You do not investigate. You do not wait for more information. It is the law that you report, and you let trained professionals handle the matter to ensure neutrality and compliance with the law.
This obligation applies even if the abuse was not at the job site or school site, whether or not it was consented conduct, whether or not someone else knew about it. It does not matter whether the information came directly from a child or someone else. Once you know - you report. The duty to report is absolute.
Spindrift School of Performing Arts Board became aware of situation requiring mandated reporting that was not done by anyone. The Board immediately undertook action to address the matter. The Board of Directors was swift and compliant in its actions. Listed here are some steps taken by the board of directors upon becoming aware:
- As soon as the Board was informed, the Board took immediate action, removing the staff member from the school.
- The Board promptly complied with California’s mandated reporting laws, notifying all appropriate authorities and providing follow-up information as requested.
- The Board immediately initiated a thorough and impartial investigation through an outside law firm and received three independent opinions before it took any action relating to a change in leadership.
We understand that people want to know the details of the reported abuse. From the outset, the Board has attempted to handle this matter with discretion to protect the privacy of the minor involved and the dignity of all parties. The Board is not at liberty to discuss facts regarding a minor child, to go into details regarding personnel matters, nor will it comment on an ongoing state and local investigation.
We are aware that certain individuals involved are trying to place blame on minor children and state that the children knew before them so other parents must have known or that the “abuse” happened a while ago. We just want to remind our community that the law is not temporal in this regard, as a Mandated Reporter, once you are aware you must act. You can’t shift the responsibility to someone else, you can’t point fingers, and you can’t fail to follow the law.
We want to assure our community that the Board has spent a tremendous amount of time talking to law enforcement and legal professionals who have guided them in each step that has been taken. The Board’s swift action, although it may seem harsh, was necessary and appropriate.
We are choosing now to focus on what matters most: the safety of our students, the well-being of our families, and the strength of our community.
Spindrift is a collective of passionate teachers, staff, and families who believe in the power of performing arts to uplift and empower young people. Our Board of Directors is fully engaged, helping guide the school through this transition and ensuring our values remain at the center of all we do.
Classes continue, rehearsals are moving forward, and the shows will go on. We remain committed to our mission.
To train and inspire students of all ages in the performing arts while instilling qualities of confidence, self-discipline, creativity, and respect for others.
