Teacher Accused of Inappropriate Remarks Placed on Leave

Ateacher accused of making inappropriate comments to students was put on administrative leave Friday, the principal said.

Principal Layne Millington hopes to complete his investigation into the matter as soon as tomorrow morning, he said.

“Pending investigation and following due process, advice from the District's legal counsel and the Swampscott Education Association (SEA) will be solicited and the appropriate action taken,” the principal stated.

The principal put the teacher on leave because the school’s first priority is the students' well being, he stated.

Teachers are typically placed on paid leave in a situation such as this.

No further information was available from the school.

The school appears to be following the district lawyer's advice, given to school officials last month.

At their Sept. 26, meetiing lawyer told School Committee members and the superintendent that school officials are limited in what they can say, and that they must not disclose private information about teachers or students.

Teachers have the right to due process, as stated in laws and collective bargaining agreements, he said.

Furthermore, saying too much up front, before the facts are known, can indicate a bias and jeopardize the district's ability to impose disciplinary action, later, Toomey said.