School official didn't report teacher suspicions

URBANA -- A former Urbana school administrator admits she didn't report suspicions about a teacher now convicted of sexually abusing students.

But a plea deal prevents now-retired administrator Carmelita Thomas from being convicted of a crime following her admission in court Friday.

Thomas was personnel director for Urbana's public schools when parents and students raised concerns about elementary school teacher Jon Andrew White. White was later convicted of sexually abusing students in Urbana and Normal schools.

Thomas was sentenced to 18 months of court supervision and fined $2,000.

She was charged with failing to report child abuse, along with former Urbana Superintendent Gene Amberg and former principal Janice Bradley, who have pleaded not guilty.