Office of Accreditation & Teacher Quality

Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission

Confidentiality Statement

All documents and correspondence from the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission are considered confidential and are considered private. Privacy and confidentiality issues pertain to all parties involved pursuant to SDCL 13-42-14 and ARSD 24:08:04.01:04: which read:

SDCL 13-42-14. Private or public hearing -- Appearance and production of evidence -- Witnesses -- Record of proceedings. Such hearing shall be either private or public, as the teacher or administrator may elect, and the teacher or administrator shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel and to produce evidence thereat. All witnesses shall be sworn before testifying and the official conducting such hearing may administer the oath prescribed by law for witnesses in judicial proceedings. A record in writing shall be made of the proceedings and of all evidence produced thereat and shall be filed in the Division of Education Services and Resources upon conclusion of the hearing.

ARSD 24:08:04.01:04. Confidentiality of private hearing. If the formal hearing is private, the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decision of the commission are confidential and shall be released only to the complainant or complainants and the respondent. However, at the discretion of the commission, such information may be released to the members of the appropriate governing body and the secretary of the Department of Education. This section does not limit the commission's ability to issue a public reprimand.