A student in the St. Louis Public Schools has accused a district employee of inappropriate behavior. Because this is a sensitive matter involving a student and teacher at an elementary school, there are few details that I can share at this time.

The student attends Gateway Elementary, where the employee works. Based on information we currently have, no one witnessed the alleged incident. Still, in accordance with district policy, the teacher was suspended with pay, pending completion of a state investigation. The district was informed of the allegations at the end of the school day on Tuesday, November 6. The employee’s suspension went into effect immediately. That individual has not been present at the school since the allegations were made.

The school district has no indication that the employee was involved in inappropriate behavior. Based on information we have at this time, no one witnessed the alleged behavior. The veteran teacher, up to now, had a spotless record.

Letters have been sent home with students, informing parents of this situation. Counselors will be made available to students, should they need them.

As a school district, we are troubled by any report that an employee engaged in inappropriate behavior. For this reason, the district will fully cooperate with authorities.

Protecting the welfare of all students and proving a safe, secure learning environment is our first priority.

Dear Parents:

In an effort to provide accurate information to the school community, I want to inform you of a sensitive situation. Within a few hours, you may see news reports involving a staff member at Gateway Elementary. As a principal, I value my responsibility to share information with our parents. For this reason, I am providing the following details – hopefully before you learn about them elsewhere.

One of our students has accused a teacher of inappropriate behavior. Because this is a sensitive matter involving an employee of the district, there are few details that I can share with you at this time. I can say that based on information that I have at this point, no one witnessed the alleged behavior.

In accordance with district policy, the teacher has been suspended with pay, pending the outcome of a state investigation. The individual has not been present at the school since the allegations were made.

The school district had no indication that the employee was involved in inappropriate behavior. The employee is a veteran teacher, who, up until now, has had a spotless record.

We understand the concerns and questions you or your child may have about this report and subsequent developments, should they surface. As a school district, we are deeply troubled by any report that a teacher may have engaged in inappropriate behavior. Therefore, the school district will cooperate with authorities. Counselors will be available for the students, should they need them. Parents with concerns are invited to contact me.

In the meantime, please be assured that protecting the welfare of all students and providing a safe, secure learning environment is our first priority.