SHELBY — A Shelby Middle School teacher indicted Sept. 26 on 21 felony counts has resigned.
Shelby Supt. Michael Browning confirmed to Richland Source on Tuesday morning that Stefanie Kellenberger, 40, is no longer an employee of the district.
Kellenberger emailed Browning Monday afternoon, to resign her position from Shelby City Schools “due to personal reasons.” A copy of this email was obtained by Richland Source through a public records request with the district.
Kellenberger has been on paid administrative leave from the Shelby City Schools district since February.
Her charges include four counts of sexual battery and 17 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, according to Richland County Common Pleas Court records.
Each of the 21 allegations against Kellenberger are third-degree felonies, according to the indictments. She was arraigned Oct. 3 and appeared before Magistrate Mackenzie Mayer.
Browning informed of allegations Feb. 28
Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher told Richland Source on Oct. 3 the charges stem from conduct that allegedly occurred from February 2020 to October 2021 within the city of Mansfield.
At the time of publication Oct. 3, it had not been reported how Kellenberger came into contact with the alleged victim.
Richland Source was unable to contact Schumacher at the time of publication to comment on Kellenberger’s resignation. Attempts were made to contact her Tuesday and Wednesday.
Additional local media reports indicate the alleged offenses occurred at Kellenberger’s house and involved a female Shelby student, according to Schumacher. The victim was between the ages of 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged conduct.
The investigation was handled by the Mansfield Police Department — who called Browning Feb. 28 at 7:20 p.m., informing him “allegations were made” against a middle school teacher.
According to court records, Kellenberger is to have no contact with the victim, the victim’s family, and/or representatives. She may have supervised contact with her own child.
Shelby superintendent issued statement Oct. 3
Browning sent a letter to district families Oct. 3 in response to Kellenberger’s indictment.
“As a follow-up to the communication sent on March 4, 2024, I have been informed that the staff member placed on administrative leave following serious allegations has been arrested, and criminal charges have been brought against them,” he wrote to parents.
“This news may be unsettling, especially for families with children in our schools.
“We have been in touch with the district’s legal counsel and are awaiting further guidance. As shared previously, the staff member was immediately placed on leave and has had no contact with students or staff since the investigation began.”
Kellenberger, hired by the district in 2015, taught sixth-grade English and language arts. Her salary for the 2023-2024 school year was $68,814.
Browning said the district upholds and expects high standards of quality and conduct from all staff members.
“We remain committed to fostering a culture of respect, safety, and inclusivity for all students and staff. We will not and do not tolerate behavior that runs contrary to these values,” he wrote Oct. 3 to parents.