A woman who was given the title of Teacher of the Year has been arrested and charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
Tracy Vanderhulst, 38, who worked as a maths teacher at Yucaipa High School in California, was arrested on Thursday (18 May).
Detectives made the arrest following ‘allegations of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor by a teacher’.
An investigation was launched and Vanderhulst was identified as the suspect.
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She was taken into custody at the San Bernardino County detention centre last and her bail was set for $30,000 (£24,000).
It is not clear when the alleged crimes took place or if her alleged victim - a 16-year-old male pupil - is still a student at the school.
Detectives have said they believe there could be more victims and have released her photo.
In a statement Yucaipa police department said: “Investigators and the Yucaipa Calimesa Joint Unified School District worked cooperatively to ensure a thorough investigation into this matter was completed.
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“Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are releasing Vanderhulst’s booking photograph."
The Yucaipa Calimesa Joint Unified School District put out an official statement on Friday saying: “The safety and well-being of our students is our absolute priority, and we take these allegations very seriously.
“Prompt action shall be taken against the offending parties, as well as any other persons knowledgeable of the allegations who may have failed to act.
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"We want to assure you that should the District receive future allegations of this against one of its employees or any affiliated persons, such allegations shall be promptly reported to law enforcement, as all District personnel are mandatory reporters.”
The police department is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The statement continued: “Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Rachel Young of the Specialised Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904.
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“Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.”
Vanderhaulst was named as Yucaipa High School's ‘teacher of the year’ in 2017.
Speaking at the time, the school’s principal said: “Tracy Vanderhulst is Yucaipa High School’s Teacher of the Year as she epitomises the educator so many desire to be - she is the kind and innovative teacher from whom we hope our children will grow; the educator who strives to engage all of her students from her intervention classes to her honours classes.”
Claire Reid