Fort Zumwalt Officials Increase Security at Camp After Students Were Filmed Undressing
District officials attended parent meetings held prior to camp to answer questions, concerns and discuss new rules in place after a teacher allegedly taped students undressing for the shower last year.
The Fort Zumwalt School District has made some policy changes to the Fifth Grade Outdoor Education Program this year.
The changes are in place after a Fort Zumwalt West Middle School teacher was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography in August, then also found to have allegedly taped students undressing while away at camp last school year.
Matt Hansen, 38, taught seventh grade math in the district since 2004, and also assisted with the district's Fifth Grade Outdoor Education Program.
Superintendent Dr. Bernard DuBray said in a parent letter on the district website in June, the footage showed male students undressing for the shower. Hansen attended fifth grade camp with students at Progress South, Lewis and Clark and Dardenne Elementary Schools.
The superintendent issued another letter to parents last month, stating that after speaking with detectives, it was deterimined there was "no indication the videotapes have been shared with other parties."
According to KMOV, Hansen is still being held in Lincoln County Jail and his trial is set for Jan. 9.
Changes to Fifth Grade Outdoor Education Program Security: (Information provided by the Fort Zumwalt School district)
- Lincoln County Sheriff deputies inspect the barracks before students enter.
- Restricted areas in barracks for teacher’s quarters.
- Providing chairs with hooks in shower area so students can undress in the shower.
- Two adults with students at all times.
- High school counselors sign phone agreement to not video or take pictures of any students.