C. J. Huff's statement on arrest of JHS teacher on sex charges

The following statement was released Friday by Joplin R-8 Superintendent C. J. Huff concerning the arrest of Joplin High School communication arts teacher Jessica Low on charges of statutory rape, statutory sodomy, and furnishing pornography to minors:

This afternoon, the Board of Education of Joplin Schools met to address the recent arrest of Ms. Jessica Low, a teacher in the school district. The Board of Education has directed me to formally notify the State Board of Education and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of the arrest and possible criminal charges.

Joplin Schools will fully cooperate in any revocation proceedings involving Ms. Low’s teaching certificate and will work with the prosecutor’s office in the criminal matter to request that the surrender of Ms. Low’s teaching certificate be a condition of any plea agreement resulting from any charges filed that involve inappropriate sexual conduct with or toward a minor.

According to Missouri law, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must revoke a teaching certificate if a teacher pleads guilty to or is found guilty of criminal offenses involving inappropriate sexual conduct with a student and/or minor.

Ms. Low resigned from her teaching position on March 25, 2014, and will not be returning to Joplin Schools.