February 14, 2018
To Staff and Parents:
Today, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery announced that his office had completed its review of the
hazing allegations at Hamilton High School and will not be filing criminal charges against any District personnel.
In an effort to avoid distraction to HHS while the District awaited the outcome of the County’s investigation, HHS
Principal Ken James, Assistant Principal Shawn Rustad and Former Head Coach Steve Belles were assigned to a
different work site. Steve Belles subsequently notified the District that he would not be returning. Since that time,
the Hamilton High School administrative team, faculty and staff have worked diligently to ensure that students
continue to receive a quality educational experience. With the County Attorney’s announcement, the District and
HHS administrators will focus their time and attention to move the already outstanding Hamilton High School
community forward.
The District Administration has been diligently determining what remedial measures could be made to promote
student safety at Hamilton High School and throughout the District. Listed below are actions already undertaken:


The District has redesigned and remodeled the Hamilton High School locker rooms to improve the staff’s
supervision capabilities.



The District is requiring an increased level of staff supervision to increase student-athletes’ awareness of
staff presence and prevent improper student conduct at all sites.



The District revised the Anti-Hazing training video that coaches, athletic staff, students and parents are
required to view. The video is now more student-focused and includes specific examples designed to
increase student understanding.



The District continues to require all coaches, athletic directors and athletic support staff to complete training
on “Bullying, Hazing and Inappropriate Behavior” developed by the National Federation of State High
School Associations.



The District formally adopted a Character Education curriculum for junior high and high school coaches
and athletes. The curriculum is a requirement for all student athletes and coaches.



The District has made an online survey available for students and parents to complete at the end of each
athletic season, which will provide a means for students and parents to alert the District to concerns that
otherwise may not have been reported.



The District has arranged for the County Attorney’s office to provide training on reporting requirements to
administrators, faculty and coaches. The training materials will be utilized in the required staff trainings
that will be provided annually to District employees.

Please know that we recognize that students, parents, staff and the community at large have been affected by the
events that have occurred. You should be proud to know that the HHS staff members continue to excel at their
profession and the students continue to achieve at the top of every category when compared to other high schools
in the State and nation. And with your support, HHS will remain a quality environment where student safety
prevails and academic achievement thrives.
We will keep you informed as we move forward.
Respectfully,
Camille Casteel, Ed.D
Superintendent