Exclusive: Teacher Left ‘Devastated’ After Being Reassigned Following Carpet Removal Incident
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jeanine-Rupert-093025-d3443ae9f9264693ac72cccce01e129f.jpg)
A California sixth-grade teacher’s family has spoken out about her reassignment after she removed a piece of carpeting in her classroom covering asbestos tiles, leaving her “distraught”, as reported exclusively by PEOPLE. Jeanine Rupert, a seasoned teacher at Phoebe Hearst Elementary in Sacramento, California, is described by her family as being deeply affected by the school district’s decision.
According to reports from NBC affiliate KCRA and ABC affiliate KXTV, the incident occurred towards the end of the previous school year, when the school faced a flea infestation. In response to the situation, Rupert, 48, reportedly pulled up part of the carpet in her classroom, exposing asbestos tiles beneath. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. It remains unclear whether Rupert was aware of the asbestos presence before taking action.
Despite repeated requests from Rupert and parents for the district to address the carpeting issue due to safety concerns, no action was taken. Consequently, Rupert, in an attempt to mitigate the hazards posed to her students due to the flea-infested, worn-out carpet, decided to remove it. Her family maintains that she acted in the best interests of her students, exhibiting care and initiative in addressing a pressing safety issue.
Tim O’Brien, Rupert’s father, expressed the emotional toll the reassignment has taken on her, sharing that she is usually jovial but becomes tearful when discussing the situation. The school district asserts that the asbestos tiles were not disturbed during the carpet removal, thereby posing no threat of exposure to asbestos. Despite these findings, Rupert was reassigned to another school by the district, a decision that has sparked outrage among students, parents, and the local community.
The Phoebe Hearst community has rallied in support of Rupert, with protests outside the district’s offices and student walkouts demanding her return. However, the district defends its decision, citing a need for a fresh start for both Rupert and the impacted school community. The family of the teacher has highlighted what they perceive as a discrepancy in treatment, noting that other teachers had removed carpeting in the past without facing similar consequences.
Following the reassignment, Rupert’s daughter shares that the classroom is now being managed by substitute teachers while a permanent replacement is sought, leaving the students in a state of flux. Rupert’s family conveys that she is currently on sick leave and grappling with the aftermath of the incident. Meanwhile, her mother’s recent health struggles have added to the challenges faced by the family during this tumultuous period.
In response to the widespread support for Rupert, the district has reiterated its stance on the matter, emphasising the importance of thoughtful consideration in personnel decisions. Despite the ongoing debate and protests, Rupert remains deeply affected by the turn of events, grappling with the repercussions of her actions and the ensuing fallout. As the community continues to advocate for her reinstatement, the future remains uncertain for the beloved teacher and her students.
The case of Jeanine Rupert serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in navigating safety concerns within educational settings and the far-reaching implications of administrative decisions. As the story unfolds, the support and solidarity shown towards Rupert underscore the profound impact of her dedication to her students and the lasting bonds forged within the school community.
Stay updated with the latest developments by subscribing to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter for more stories on human interest and compelling news. As the situation evolves, the collective efforts of the Phoebe Hearst community in advocating for Rupert serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and support within the educational realm.