Lakota West teacher on leave amid investigation into alleged ‘misconduct,’ principal says

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) - A special needs teacher at Lakota West High School is on a leave of absence amid an investigation into alleged “misconduct,” the school’s principal announced in a letter to parents and students.

A Lakota employee made an allegation of misconduct against the teacher to school district administration on the evening of Feb. 14, Lakota spokeswoman Betsy Fuller tells FOX19 NOW.

Police records show a 911 caller claimed the teacher slapped a 15-year-old special needs student.

“We take these allegations very seriously and we are working with the appropriate authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly to provide due process,” Principal Ben Brown wrote Wednesday.

He explained that school officials could not elaborate on the details of the allegations or the investigation.

“However,” his note stressed, “we wanted to assure you that we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and will take all necessary steps to address any concerns that may arise.”

Two other teachers have been assigned to work with her students.

Fuller said West Chester Police Department (WCPD) was contacted at the same time as the school district learned about the allegation.

“We take every allegation seriously and investigate them fully. Administrators from Lakota West and the district launched an immediate investigation into this matter,” she said.

The teacher under investigation was officially put on leave Tuesday, “which would have been her first day back to work following the alleged incident,” Fuller said.

“The safety of our students is always our first priority. We will work closely with the WCPD throughout our investigation, which is still ongoing. As such, we cannot comment further and must direct you to the WCPD.”

FOX19 NOW reached out to officials at West Chester Police Department and the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office.

“No comment,” responded Prosecutor Mike Gmoser.

We will update this story once we hear back from West Chester police.

We also are attempting to reach the teacher under investigation to get her side of the story.

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