Perris couple arrest highlights lack of private school oversight
We have more information about the Perris couple accused of imprisoning and abusing 13 children inside their home.
Read: Authorities reveal new information on Perris couple with 13 imprisoned children
Louise Turpin,49, and her husband, David Allen Turpin, 57, were arrested Sunday on suspicion of torture and child abuse. According to Sheriff’s officials, David Turpin created his own private school called Sandcastle Day School. KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 asked the Riverside County Office of Education.
“Offices like the Riverside County of Education, we focus purely on public schools and charter schools and those really don’t seem to be part of the private school discussion here, ” said Craig Petinak, from the Riverside County Office of Education.
Instead, private schools are regulated by the state. California Department of Education website says that anyone who wants to start must fill out a private school affidavit or R4 form.
“Basically it’s registering whoever is filling it out as someone who is going to operate a private school report and have to fill out under penalty of perjury that they are going to follow certain things in the education code and the affidavit is required to be filled out annually,” said Petinak.
The form asks basic questions such as name, address and contact information for the school.
It also asks for the grades of students enrolled and how many people work at the school.
When we looked into how private schools are regulated we were shocked to learn the state rarely checks in to make sure the information is accurate.
In California, no state agency licenses, regulates, or oversees private school teachers, who do not need to possess a valid California teaching credential. Also, private schools do not need to follow a curriculum required by the state.
The California Department of Education website states that they do not regulate private schools.
However, private school employees do need to submit fingerprints and complete a background check. And if someone wanted to report issues about the Sandcastle Day school.
The Department of Education said in general, complaints about a private school’s policies or practices would be addressed to and handled by that school’s administration, governing board, owner or affiliated church.
We requested the R4 form from Sandcastle Day School but have not heard back from the Department of Education.
The Department of Education did release a statement saying officials there are sickened by this tragedy and relieved the children are now safe and authorities are investigating.
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
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