Colerain teacher resigns, police investigate misconduct

A Pleasant Run Middle School teacher has resigned following allegations of inappropriate physical and verbal behavior toward several students that police and school officials are currently investigating. The Northwest Local School District launched an investigation April 24 after a concerned student reported inappropriate comments made by the 36-year-old teacher to students, NWLSD said in a statement Friday. School officials said they immediately placed the teacher on leave and contacted police to investigate further. The teacher resigned two days later, on April 26, and is no longer allowed to work in the district, NWLSD administrators said in a statement. According to a police report, the Colerain Township Police Department interviewed four students, all girls ages 13 to 15. The students reported to police a series of alleged misconduct by the male teacher. “During this time, we were made aware of other students who were also affected by the teacher’s inappropriate actions,” NWLSD administration said in a statement. A student told police the man messaged her on Facebook several times and “tickled” her, making her so uncomfortable that she didn’t want to go to his class. A second teen told police that the teacher “wanted to hold her hand and kept asking for hugs,” according to the police report. She later requested to be removed from the teacher’s class. Another student described the teacher as “very touchy” toward several students, including her, according to the police report. The girl told authorities that at one point, while she was crying, the man put his hand under her shirt to rub her back and ask if she was OK. A fourth student reported that the man “massaged her shoulders, which made her feel uncomfortable,” the police report said. “We have continued to cooperate with the Colerain Township Police Department throughout their investigation,” NWLDS said in a statement. Northwest Local Schools notified parents of the incidents in a letter on May 10. “Our top priority has been and remains the safety and well-being of our students,” the NWLSD wrote. “We have spoken to affected students and families who have come forward and are supporting them as needed. We want to reassure our families that we are committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.” School officials say they did not publicly comment on the incidents until Friday to protect the privacy of the students involved and to ensure the integrity of the investigation preserve. Counseling was provided to help students and families navigate conversations, NWLSD wrote. No charges were filed against the 36-year-old teacher. Colerain Township Police Chief Edwin Cordie said the investigation is ongoing.