Hester’s email said the alleged messages are “not believed to be sexual in nature.” District officials would not specify what was inappropriate about the alleged messages. This newspaper is not identifying the teacher because he has not been fired or charged with a crime.
Scott Marshall, district spokesman, said the allegation was reported by a current student in keeping with the district’s “See Something, Say Something” practice that is promoted across the district.
Marshall said the teacher has worked for the district between five and 10 years and there are no disciplinary actions listed in his personnel file. He declined to comment on what subject the teacher taught or other information.
Hester’s email said the district has no evidence that the alleged direct messages took place when the graduate was still a student, nor do they involve other current Springboro High School students or graduates. Marshall said there was no indication there was any relationship between the teacher and student.
He said the allegations are under investigation by the district and that the district’s school resource officer is aware. Marshall said the district has not referred the matter to police as of Tuesday morning.
“The district has launched an investigation into these allegations, which, if confirmed, may be in violation of the state’s code of professional conduct for teachers which prohibits, ‘Soliciting, encouraging, engaging or consummating an inappropriate relationship with any student, minor, or individual who was a student in the preceding 12 months.’ " Hester wrote to parents.
“This alleged behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Springboro Schools. Protecting the safety of Springboro Schools’ students is the district’s highest priority,” she said.
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