SHELBY — Shelby City Schools Superintendent Michael Browning confirmed Tuesday a district middle school teacher was placed on paid administrative leave Feb. 28.
Browning told Richland Source on Tuesday the teacher will remain on leave until investigations by law enforcement and the district are complete.
In a letter sent Monday to district families, Browning said he received a phone call from the Mansfield Police Department Feb. 28 at 7:20 p.m., informing him “allegations were made” against a middle school teacher.
On Tuesday, Browning said no more information could be shared, beyond details included in a letter he sent to district parents on Monday.
The name of the teacher is not being disclosed at this point due to the ongoing investigations, he said.
“We do have an investigation that we have to do as well,” he said, “so we’re going to make sure that we’re treating everybody fairly and get all the facts we can before making any kind of decision.”
Mansfield police Capt. Randy Carver said Tuesday Browning’s statement covered all information made available to the district and public at this time.
“When the investigation is completed we’ll obviously be able to push some more information out,” he said. “But at this point, there’s not a lot we can discuss until we get a little further into the investigation.”
Carver said an investigation is being handled by the MPD because the alleged “crime or incident” occurred within the City of Mansfield.
Investigation is on-going
The teacher was placed on paid administrative leave immediately after the Mansfield Police Department phone call, Browning said.
“At Shelby City Schools, we care deeply about our students and staff, and as a result, we take every allegation very seriously,” the superintendent said in the letter to parents.
Browning said he couldn’t provide further details Tuesday regarding why Mansfield Police Department is leading the investigation.
“I don’t want to hinder their investigation,” he said.
Browning said the following steps have been taken:
— The teacher was immediately placed on paid administrative leave. This means the teacher will not have contact with the district or students during the investigation.
— Shelby City Schools are “fully cooperating” with the Mansfield Police Department to see “what, if any,” truth there may be to this accusation and, if so, to what depth.
— The district is conducting an internal investigation into this matter.
Browning commits to be ‘open and honest’ with district families
The well-being of all Shelby students and staff is of “utmost importance,” Browning said in the letter sent to families.
“We do everything we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment for anyone who enters our buildings and we hold everyone accountable to the code of conduct expected in our schools,” the superintendent said.
At the time the letter was sent, Browning said it wouldn’t be appropriate to share further details due to the on-going investigation and “out of respect for all involved.”
“However, I can commit to you that I will be as open and honest as I can throughout this entire process. As details become available, I will be sure to share them with you,” Browning said in the letter to families.