Allegations of “inappropriate touching” prompted the removal of a substitute teacher from the Winding Waters K-8 school in Weeki Wachee.
The removal which took place on Sept. 1 was reportedly connected to an incident in a “middle grade” classroom. Administrators learned of the allegations from students, reports said. The substitute teacher was provided by and was an employee of the staffing company Kelly Services.
Parents were notified of the allegations and the substitute’s removal via an email message.
Following the removal, the Hernando County School District undertook an investigation into the allegations, according to School District Public Information Officer (PIO) Karen Jordan. So did the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), said HCSO Deputy Public Information Officer (PIO) Michael Terry.
Danielle Nixon, director of public relations for Kelly Services said that while its investigation was underway, the substitute teacher who was allegedly involved in the incident would not be reassigned elsewhere.
“We are concerned about any reports of inappropriate behavior and take these matters very seriously,” Nixon said. “We are currently investigating the matter and the teacher is not eligible for assignments while the matter is being investigated. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement and the school to complete our investigation.”
On Sept. 7 Jordan said that the last of the Hernando County School District’s investigations are nearing completion.
“At that time, we will be notifying parents regarding the outcome,” Jordan said.
Until then the investigations remain ongoing.
