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The cost of the plan has not yet been determined, but Deasy said he was sparing no expense to understand how the abuse occurred over some years and no one reported it. The district's investigation, which will be handled by an independent commission led by retired California Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Moreno, will include interviewing past students and staff at Miramonte. School sex abuse expert Mary Jo McGrath, an attorney who has conducted some 350 abuse investigations, said the investigation could uncover more cases. "It's not a witch hunt, it's just that someone is really looking," she said. "Cases start unpeeling like an onion. It's always the same pattern." Teachers need to receive extensive training in spotting the red flags that could indicate a colleague is engaging in inappropriate conduct with children, as well how to find the courage to speak up against a colleague, especially longtime veterans, McGrath said. Frequent meetings with children after school, locked doors, taking kids on trips can all be signs that something is going on. "There are definite indicators in other staff members being off," said McGrath, a Santa Barbara-based consultant. United Teachers Los Angeles said in a statement that union leaders have met with Miramonte teachers and support the investigation. "It's everyone's responsibility to ensure that any and all allegations are thoughtfully and carefully investigated," the union said. The alleged abuse came to light last Monday night when Berndt was arrested. Berndt is charged with committing lewd acts on children, ages 6 to 10, between 2005 and 2010. The alleged acts include blindfolding children, feeding them semen, taping their mouths, and photographing them in a "game." Berndt, who worked at the school for 32 years, remains jailed on $23 million bail and could face life in prison if convicted. The furor led to two parents coming forward Thursday to complain that Springer, who had worked at the school for 26 years, fondled two second-grade girls in his classroom. Springer pleaded not guilty Tuesday after he was charged with committing lewd acts upon one girl in 2009. Bail was set at $300,000. Investigators said they know of no connection between the men. Berndt and Springer took their classes on at least two joint field trips in the past decade, according to the Los Angeles Times.
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