SHELBY — Shelby City Schools has made plans to replace the position of a middle school teacher placed on paid administrative leave in late February.
On May 2, Superintendent Michael Browning sent a letter, which Richland Source obtained through a public records request, to Stefanie Kellenberger, a sixth-grade teacher at Shelby Middle School.
In the letter, Browning informed Kellenberger the district plans to fill her teaching position “to ensure continuity and allow teachers to collaborate over the summer months as they plan for the next school year.”
Kellenberger was placed on paid administrative leave Feb. 28 after Browning received a phone call from the Mansfield Police Department, informing him “allegations were made” against a middle school teacher.
“While you (Kellenberger) are still on paid administrative leave, the district must begin planning for the next school year,” the superintendent wrote.
“There is uncertainty about when the investigation will be completed, when the school can begin its Title IX investigation, and how long these processes will take.”
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Kellenberger to remain on paid leave while investigations continue
Kellenberger, hired by the district in 2015, teaches sixth-grade English and language arts. Her salary for the 2023-2024 school year was $68,814.
Browning wrote Kellenberger will have “a teaching position” in her licensure area “if/when the time and circumstances allow,” adding she’ll remain on paid administrative leave while investigations continue.
The superintendent told Kellenberger she’ll be permitted to come into the Shelby PK-8 Building in early June to remove her personal belongings.
(Below are letters, which Richland Source obtained through a public records request, from Browning to Kellenberger on May 2 and Feb. 28.)
Browning received call from MPD on Feb. 28
A letter sent by Browning to district families on March 4 detailed the district’s reasoning for placing Kellenberger on paid leave.
Browning said he received a phone call from the Mansfield Police Department (MPD) Feb. 28 at 7:20 p.m., informing him “allegations were made” against a middle school teacher.
In March, Mansfield Police Capt. Randy Carver told Richland Source the investigation is being handled by the MPD because the alleged “crime or incident” occurred within the city of Mansfield.
Kellenberger was placed on paid administrative leave immediately after the MPD phone call, Browning said in March.
“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 March 4 letter to parents.
Browning added the district is “fully cooperating” with the MPD to see “what, if any, truth there may be to this accusation and, if so, to what depth.”
Furthermore, Shelby City Schools is conducting an internal investigation into this matter.
On Thursday afternoon, Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher told Richland Source the matter is still under investigation.
In a letter to Kellenberger dated Feb. 28, Browning told the teacher she’d be assigned to her home during school hours. She was to be “available by telephone, available to perform work if requested to do so, and available to cooperate with the Board of Education’s investigation.”
Until further written notice, Browning wrote to Kellenberger she could not attend school, school functions or engage in school-related extracurricular activities, “whether on Shelby City School District property or at any other location.”
Additionally, she’s been prohibited from accessing school equipment, computers or services.
Superintendent commits to be ‘open and honest’
The well-being of all Shelby students and staff “is of utmost importance,” Browning wrote to district 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 ongoing 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,” he wrote to parents.