Trial Begins For Elementary School Principal
By: Nichelle Sullivan
Updated: September 10, 2007
The trial begins for a former Springfield elementary school principal accused of violating Missouris State mandated reporter law.
Carolyn Harralson is accused of violating the state mandated reporter law. The law requires certain professionals to call a hotline if they suspect child abuse. Attorneys have spent the day selecting a jury in this case and it is expected they can begin presenting evidence tomorrow morning. Harralson was the principal at Roundtree in 2006 when several fifth grade students complained to her about gym teacher Mark Washam.
Court documents show the girls wrote a letter to the principal asking her to "take them seriously." Those girls allege that Washam touched them inappropriately on their bottom and chest.
The state is alleging Harralson didnt report the claims right away and instead waited a month before making that call. A report from the Department of Social Services called her actions negligent. Tuesday morning, it will be up to a Greene county jury to hear the evidence in this case and make a decision about whether Harralson did the right thing by waiting to make that call. Meanwhile, Washam faces nine counts of sexual misconduct.
Hes scheduled to appear in court next month.
