FAQs

    1. Why was the teacher arrested?
      On April 30, 2024, the Mill Valley School District was informed of the arrest of  Mill Valley teacher Mr. Darren Smith.  The Marin County Sheriff's Department arrested Mr. Smith on charges of lewd/lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14 (Penal Code 288 (A)) and continuous sexual abuse of a child (Penal Code 288.5(A)).

    2. Is this teacher still teaching?
      No, the teacher was placed on administrative leave on March 28, 2024, when the district learned of the allegations and involved law enforcement.  This action was taken immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

    3. Who is teaching my child now?
      We have arranged for a qualified substitute teacher to take over the teacher’s classes for the duration of the investigation. This will ensure that your child's education continues uninterrupted and maintains the high standards we set for our learning environment.

    4. Can you share details about the investigation?
      Due to the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the investigation, we cannot share specific details at this time. We ask for your understanding and patience as the Marin County Sheriff's Department conducts its thorough investigation.

    5. How can I explain this situation to my child?
      We recommend speaking to your child in a way that is appropriate for their age and sensitivity. Focus on the fact that the school is a safe place and that the situation is being handled by professionals. Assure them that it's okay to feel upset and encourage them to express their feelings and ask questions.

    6. What support is available for my child if they are upset by this news?
      We understand the distress this situation may cause. Our school counselors and support staff are available to assist any student who needs help processing this.  Our school counselors, school psychologists,  and support staff are available on-site to assist any student who may need help processing this news.  Additionally, we have partnered with Care Solace, an online resource with a 24/7 concierge to help locate local mental health-related programs and counseling services.  Marin Mobile Crisis Response Team operates 24/7 to ensure individuals can access mental health support whenever necessary, regardless of the time of day or night.

    7. What support is available to parents?
      This information may necessitate conversations about appropriate physical boundaries and safety with your children.  We are working with staff from the County of Marin to set up parent forums to guide you in addressing these issues in an age-appropriate manner.  Although they cannot talk about this specific case, they can respond to your questions and concerns about these types of events.  More information regarding this meeting will come through ParentSquare.

    8. How will the district keep parents informed about this situation?
      We are committed to keeping you informed with the most accurate and up-to-date information as it becomes available. Updates will be communicated through our regular channels, including emails, letters, and the district website.

    9. Is there reason to believe that there may be additional allegations/victims within the school setting?
      At this point, we are in close collaboration with law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the matter. While it is too early to confirm whether there are additional victims, we are taking every step to ensure a comprehensive review of the situation. The possibility of additional allegations remains part of the ongoing investigation, and we are prepared to take appropriate actions as new information becomes available.

    10. Will students be involved in any inquiry from the school or law enforcement to determine if that is the case?
      Regarding student involvement in the inquiry, our primary concern is the welfare and safety of all students. Any participation by students in the investigation will be conducted sensitively and will be coordinated with law enforcement professionals who specialize in dealing with such cases. We will ensure that these interactions are handled with the utmost care and professionalism, with the support of trained counselors to assist as needed.

    11. Who should I contact if I have more questions or concerns?
      We urge anyone with information related to this case or any concerns to direct their inquiries to the Marin County Sheriff's Department at 415-479-2311.  For other questions or concerns, please contact the superintendent’s office at 415-389-7705.

    12. How is the school ensuring this doesn’t happen again?
      The safety and security of our students are our top priorities. We continuously review and enhance our policies and procedures concerning staff conduct and student safety. This includes ongoing training and background checks for all staff members, mandated reporter training, and sexual harassment training.