Principal Charged for Failing to Report Abuse

Cook County State's Attorney Richard A. Devine and Berwyn police today announced misdemeanor charges have been placed against the principal of a Berwyn elementary school for failing to report allegations of child abuse by a music teacher under her authority.

Charged with a Class A misdemeanor was Karen Grindle, principal of Pershing School at 6537 W. 37th St., Berwyn. She surrendered today at the Berwyn Police Department and was scheduled to be released on a $1,000 I-Bond.

According to the charges, two students complained in a letter in the spring of 2001 that Robert Sperlik, a band instructor, had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with the two girls. In addition, she failed to report a subsequent complaint against Sperlik, for inappropriate touching.

Under state law, Grindle was a mandatory reporter as the principal of the school and should have informed the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services of each of the complaints against Sperlik. Sperlik has been charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct and awaits trial.

A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

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