A Sacramento-area middle school teacher was placed on administrative leave after a disturbing video surfaced showing him engaging in inappropriate conduct in his classroom just moments before students arrived.
According to the New York Post, the footage, taken by a student at Granite Oaks Middle School in Rocklin, reportedly shows eighth-grade history teacher Dan Champ unbuttoning his pants and using a container in his classroom.
“Gosh, that’s good — gosh gosh gosh gosh gosh gosh,” Champ says in the video posted by the Sacramento Bee.
He then adds, “Love it, love it,” before walking across the room, and the sound of liquid being poured is heard.
Seconds later, students enter the classroom, whispering and giggling as the recording ends.
The incident came to school officials’ attention on Feb. 25 after a parent brought the video forward.
Rumors had reportedly circulated among students that Champ engaged in similar behavior between classes.
“It personally makes me feel disgusted knowing that I was in the room prior to him doing that near the spot that I used to sit,” an eighth-grade student told reporters. The student received the video via Snapchat from a friend.
In response, Granite Oaks Middle School and the Rocklin Unified School District sent a letter to families confirming Champ had been placed on leave.
“While the unverified video does not involve any students or other staff, the employee has been placed on leave while Granite Oaks Middle School and the Rocklin Unified School District investigate the incident,” the letter states.
The letter emphasized that the school is taking the matter seriously and that it will be addressed according to applicable policies and legal requirements.
Champ, who has more than 25 years of teaching experience, also serves as an Associated Student Body adviser. He and his wife run an educational tour program for local eighth-grade students called Champ Tours, with upcoming trips to historic East Coast landmarks in March and a visit to New York City in June.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not yet announced any additional disciplinary measures.
