Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 8, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke reports progress at Washington School for the Deaf

OLYMPIA – Gov. Gary Locke today said the Washington School for the Deaf has made significant progress in implementing his directive to improve policies and procedures relating to student safety in the residence program.

Locke appointed six experts to an independent monitoring panel on July 13 following his June 25 directive to the school. The panel issued its final report to the governor this week.

“With the help of our knowledgeable and expert panel, the School for the Deaf has made tremendous progress in helping make the school safer for all students,” Locke said. “Their work is not complete, however. I urge Superintendent Len Aron and the school administration to continue their hard work to fully implement my directive.”

The governor issued his safety directive based on two independent reviews of the school, which he requested following an incident of alleged sexual abuse at the school.

The report summarizes progress on each of the administrative actions covered in Locke’s directive. (See attached safety directive status and next steps.)

In accepting the report, the governor said he was confident the remaining safety enhancements would be implemented soon.

“I requested funding in the supplemental budget to ensure these goals can be met,” Locke said. “I hope the Legislature acts on my funding proposal early in the upcoming session so that we can make the school a safer place to learn.”

In order to ensure continued progress in implementing the panel’s recommendations, the governor requested that the monitoring panel continue its work and issue a progress report this summer.

Members of the independent monitoring panel:

• Diane Woolard, of Vancouver, a Clark County Superior Court judge
  
• Dr. Douglas D. Baker, of Pullman, vice provost for academic affairs and a professor at Washington State University
  
• Lucy Berliner, of Seattle, director of the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress and a professor at the University of Washington
  
• Dr. Rose Calderon, of Seattle, an assistant professor in the University of Washington Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department and a director at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
  
• Douglas Maas, of Vancouver, a Vietnam veteran who worked 25 years in law enforcement
  
• Tom Rembiesa, of Seattle, executive director of the Ruth Dykeman Center

Linked attachment: Safety Directive Status and Next Steps

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Related Links:
- Washington School for the Deaf
- Locke issues directive to promote student safety at Washington School for the Deaf
- Locke appoints monitoring panel for Washington School for the Deaf

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