Convicted Teachers Keep Teaching Certificates

The Buffalo News recently identified five Western New York teachers, convicted of sex crimes involving children, who still had their teaching credentials.

- Christopher J. Cross, substitute teacher at West Hertel Academy, currently in jail for molesting 8th-grade girls,

- Joel Fidanza, a gym teacher in Medina, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to child endangerment of a 15-year-old girl,

- Jeffrey Hart, an employee of the Tonawanda School District, serving a federal prison term for child pornography,

- Kevin Rocktaschel, registered sex offender, Williamsville music teacher, admitted having sex with a 15-year-old girl,

- Rachelle Vantucci, registered sex offender, substitute teacher in Geneseo, admitted having sex with a 16-year-old boy.

Current rules and regulations don't adequately address revocation of teaching credentials. More troubling is the fact that each tenured teacher continues to be paid while being investigated which typically takes about 18 months, costing over $160,000.