15-514. Reports of immoral or unprofessional conduct; immunity

A. Any certificated person or governing board member who reasonably suspects or receives a reasonable allegation that a person certificated by the state board of education has engaged in conduct involving minors that would be subject to the reporting requirements of section 13-3620 shall report or cause reports to be made to the department of education in writing as soon as is reasonably practicable but not later than three business days after the person first suspects or receives an allegation of the conduct.

B. The superintendent of a school district or the chief administrator of a charter school who reasonably suspects or receives a reasonable allegation that an act of immoral or unprofessional conduct that would constitute grounds for dismissal or criminal charges by a certificated person has occurred shall report the conduct to the department of education.

C. A person who reports or provides information pursuant to this section regarding the immoral or unprofessional conduct of a certificated person in good faith is not subject to an action for civil damages as a result.

D. A governing board or school or school district employee who has control over personnel decisions shall not take unlawful reprisal against an employee because the employee reports in good faith information as required by this section. For the purposes of this subsection " unlawful reprisal" means an action that is taken by a governing board as a direct result of a lawful report pursuant to this section and, with respect to the employee, results in one or more of the following:

1. Disciplinary action.

2. Transfer or reassignment.

3. Suspension, demotion or dismissal.

4. An unfavorable performance evaluation.

5. Other significant changes in duties or responsibilities that are inconsistent with the employee's salary or employment classification.

E. Failure to report information as required by this section by a certificated person constitutes grounds for disciplinary action by the state board of education.

F. A governing board or school district employee who has control over personnel decisions and who reasonably suspects or receives a reasonable allegation that a person certificated by the state board of education has engaged in conduct involving minors that would be subject to the reporting requirements of section 13-3620 and this article shall not accept the resignation of the certificate holder until these suspicions or allegations have been reported to the state board of education.