Updated: Monday 10:04 a.m.
USD 470 Ark City says sexual harassment allegations Thursday have been confirmed to come from a student regarding a high school teacher.
The district says ACHS Principal Jermey Truelove has contacted the families of ACHS students directly.
Below is a copy of an email from Truelove, provided by the school district:
Dear ACHS Family,
As you’re aware, we have been notified of inappropriate conduct by an ACHS staff member. We can now confirm these allegations were made by a student about a teacher. We take these allegations very seriously. We have reported them to law enforcement and have begun our own internal investigation. The teacher in question will be on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete.
Please rest assured that when students return to school from Winter Break on January 4, we will continue to support them and prioritize their safety. Personnel and student information are protected by law but we will contact you directly if we learn of information that can be released.
Nothing matters more to our district than creating a safe and caring learning experience for every student, every day. If you ever suspect inappropriate behavior in a school setting, please reach out.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Truelove,
Principal
Arkansas City High School
From Friday:
An Arkansas City High School staff member has been suspended.
According to USD 470 Thursday, ACHS administration was made aware of sexual harassment allegations regarding an ACHS staff member earlier in the day. The Ark City Police Department was notified immediately and the employee has been suspended, with pay, pending further internal and police investigations.
“While we can not share any additional details at this time, we wanted to make you aware of the situation,” the district stated in an email. “USD 470 takes this and all safety matters very seriously. We appreciate ACPD’s assistance and the continued support of our school community.”
Ark City Police Chief Eric Burr said officers were called to the high school at 12:05 p.m. Thursday for a report of sexual harassment.
“Officers gathered initial information from the parties involved and worked through the afternoon gathering statements,” Burr said. “The matter is an ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made at this time.”