Sex Charges Against Substitute From Columbia Prompts Probe

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Officials from Howard County Public Schools have encouraged families to talk with their children about any interactions they may have had with a substitute teacher who is now facing sex abuse charges in Montgomery County. "This same individual has also been a substitute at our school," stated a form letter that many public schools in Howard County sent out following the news of the man's arrest.

Steven Katz, 59, of the 6500 block of Quiet Hours, was charged with sex abuse of a minor and fourth-degree sex offense, the Montgomery County Police Department reported over the weekend.

Sometime after school on March 8, a student at a Clovery Elementary School in Silver Spring told his parent that his substitute teacher had touched him in a way that made him feel uncomfortable, police said. The student identified the teacher as Katz, according to authorities.

Katz has been a substitute in Montgomery and Howard counties and worked one day in Baltimore County Public Schools, according to WBAL. Charging documents obtained by the news station stated that in addition to moving his hand from the shoulder of an 11-year-old boy to his buttocks, Katz also allegedly touched a girl's waist and a boy's back and apologized to all of the children.

According to the Montgomery County Police Department, Katz admitted to inappropriate touching.

"My office and our school leaders have been asked why this individual was able to work as a substitute teacher during the time he was being investigated by the Montgomery County Police Department," Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano in a statement.

"Unfortunately, news of the arrest came as a surprise to us as we were not aware that this individual was suspected of these charges until Saturday, March 17," Martirano said. "This put us in a position of responding to a situation without having many details. Over the next several days, we will be working with our law enforcement counterparts as well as neighboring school systems to ensure that we implement stronger communication protocols when sharing information related to the safety and security of our children."

HCPSS was reviewing its process for selecting substitutes and would be implementing periodic background checks, according to Martirano.

Anyone who suspects their child may have had an inappropriate encounter with Mr. Katz or any other individual is asked to call the Howard County Police Department at 410-313-2630 or the Department of Social Services at 410-872-4203.

Katz worked for six years in HCPSS, according to the superintendent, who said over the past two years, Katz was involved in more than 40 schools.

Elementary Schools

• Atholton Elementary School
• Bollman Bridge Elementary School
• Bryant Woods Elementary School
• Bushy Park Elementary School
• Clarksville Elementary School
• Clemens Crossing Elementary School
• Cradlerock Elementary School
• Dayton Oaks Elementary School
• Ducketts Lane Elementary School
• Fulton Elementary School
• Gorman Crossing Elementary School
• Guilford Elementary School
• Hammond Elementary School
• Ilchester Elementary School
• Lisbon Elementary School
• Longfellow Elementary School
• Manor Woods Elementary School
• Pointers Run Elementary School
• Rockburn Elementary School
• Running Brook Elementary School
• Stevens Forest Elementary School
• Swansfield Elementary School
• Triadelphia Elementary School
• Veterans Elementary School
• Waverly Elementary School
• West Friendship Elementary School
• Worthington Elementary School

Middle Schools

• Bonnie Branch Middle School
• Dunloggin Middle School
• Ellicott Mills Middle School
• Folly Quarter Middle School
• Harpers Choice Middle School
• Lime Kiln Middle School
• Mayfield Woods Middle School
• Mount View Middle School
• Murray Hill Middle School
• Oakland Mills Middle School
• Patapsco Middle School
• Wilde Lake Middle School

High Schools

• Atholton High School
• Glenelg High School
• Hammond High School
• Howard High School
• Reservoir High School

RELATED: Silver Spring Substitute Teacher Charged With Sexual Abuse

HCPSS officials issued this guidance for talking to kids about their potential interactions with Mr. Katz:

Our communications to you the past few days have encouraged you to talk with your children about their interactions with Mr. Katz. Be patient as children do not always talk about difficult topics easily. Many children may not remember Mr. Katz, especially if he was not a substitute in their classrooms or because he only subbed in the building a few times over the last two years.

If you do decide to talk to your child(ren), please remember that a range of reactions/feelings is normal.
• A gentle, calm demeanor is necessary.
• Ask if they recall when Mr. Katz was a substitute teacher in their class.
• If so, inquire whether they had any individual conversations with Mr. Katz.
• Ask if there is anything they want to tell you about Mr. Katz.
• Reassure your child that they will not be in trouble or be punished for anything they tell you.
• Allow your child to write, draw or play as a way of expressing their feelings.
• Keep conversation brief and encourage your child to let you or any other trusted adult know if they remember something later.

Keep your explanations about sexual abuse developmentally appropriate.
Your child may want more information about abuse. You may want to discuss that people can be abusive in many different ways and includes physical, verbal, mental and sexual abuse. Reinforce that any type of abuse is totally unacceptable.
• Early elementary school children need brief, simple explanations balanced with reassurance that adults want to know when they feel unsafe.
• Upper elementary and early middle school children may ask more questions. Remind them of the health education lessons that when an adult is concerned that a child is in danger they must report it to the authorities.
• Upper middle and high school children may express strong opinions about their rights and safety. Encourage them to find positive ways to advocate for addressing these difficult topics at school and in their community.
Resources:

The Child Mind Institute – Ten tips for teaching children skills to prevent sexual abuse
Our Kids Center.com – PDF suggesting what to say (and not say) when talking about sexual abuse
U.S. Department of Justice – Strategies and tips for talking to children and adolescents about sexual abuse
Kids Safe Foundation–Tips for parents and caregivers to protect children from sexual abuse
Care.com – Seven tips for talking to children, with links to books/resources
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – Sexual assault, safety and prevention information

Photo of Steven Katz courtesy of Montgomery County Police Department.