Superintendent Pekel Explains RPS Response to Employee's Arrest

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Questions have arisen concerning the Rochester Public Schools' release of information about an employee following his arrest on a child pornography charge.

Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel discussed the situation and the decision-making process involved in releasing information in the case during his regular monthly appearance with Andy Brownell on Rochester Today on News-Talk 1340 KROC-AM and 96.9 FM.

Listen to the entire interview by clicking on the link below.

Pekel indicated that the school district only learned of the investigation when 41-year-old Jim Vin was taken into custody on September 18. At that time, Vin had not been formally charged, and the school district issued a statement confirming that a person employed as an Educational Support Professional had been arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material and that the person had worked at three schools within the district. The statement also noted that his access to district facilities and technology had been revoked.

What the District Told Families

Following the filing of formal charges against Vin, who faces a felony count of possession of pornographic work depicting a minor under the age of 14, Pekel says the district was able to provide additional information to families with students attending Rochester Public Schools and the wider community.

Information Released After Formal Charges

The follow-up statement indicated the school district had "no information that suggests Jim Vin engaged in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature toward any RPS students." It also listed the schools where he had worked since he was first hired by the school district in 2008. Pekel stated that i was t was important for families to be aware of so they could check in with their students to make sure they had not been harmed.

Pekel Explains the Employee Discipline Process

During his appearance on Rochester Today, Superintendent Pekel also described the process that is followed when an employee is accused of misconduct that could warrant the termination of their employment. In this case, Pekel says that process has begun but has yet to be completed.