Silver Spring teacher claims sexual harassment led to firing

Gazette:  Parents of student believe teacher is innocent of groping accusations
by Andre L. Taylor | Staff Writer

A former Kemp Mill Elementary School teacher, who was fired in June following accusations he inappropriately touched a student in a classroom, is claiming his termination was retaliation for an attempt to report sexual harassment by the school's principal. 

The teacher, Dan Picca, has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming that he was fired because he threatened to report that Kemp Mill Principal Floyd Starnes was sexually harassing him. The complaint also states Picca, who was first suspended, with pay, in April, was treated unfairly throughout the termination process.

According to the complaint filed against Montgomery County Public Schools, Picca said since the 2007-08 academic year, he had been inappropriately touched by Starnes and that Starnes called him "honey," "babe" and "sweetie" in a sexually suggestive manner. When Picca told Starnes he was going to report his behavior, Starnes threatened that any such action would be a mistake.

"I was accused of incidents of misconduct with students that I credibly disputed," Picca said in the complaint. "In addition, I provided evidence of Principal Starnes' history of inappropriate conduct and threats that led to my aforementioned suspension. Nonetheless, on May 26, 2010 ... Superintendent of Schools Dr. [Jerry] Weast recommended my termination due to allegations of insubordination and misconduct with students..."

..."Our son had no idea he had been used," Ross said. "They got my son to write a letter saying Mr. Picca touched him inappropriately. I find that hard to believe and I know my son likes Mr. Picca."

Ross started www.savekmes.com in July to inform other parents at the school about the situation. Ross said his wife was told of an investigation into the touching, but was not informed about any letter. Ross was only informed about the letter his son had written from Picca, who also received a copy....continues here.