Franklin schools employee resigns after sexual misconduct allegations

A female school employee at Franklin City Schools resigned Monday after being placed on administrative leave following accusations of sexual misconduct with a student, according to Franklin police.

Police Chief Russell Whitman said the school administration conducted an administrative inquiry into rumors of sexual misconduct by a school employee with a 15-year-old student. He said within two hours, the parent, student and employee were interviewed by school staff.

Whitman praised the swiftness of the school district’s actions and encouraged anyone with any information to contact police at 937-746-2882.

This news organization is not identifying the suspect in the case because no charges have been filed by police.

Police said they do not believe an improper conduct occurred on school grounds or during school hours. However, at a joint news conference with Superintendent Michael Sander Tuesday, Whitman said they will be taking their time to investigate the matter and to determine if there were any other victims.

Whitman said this will be a long-term investigation and did not expect any updates this week.

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Whitman said the allegations were sexual in nature and that they started earlier this year. As of Tuesday, Whitman said police had not interviewed the employee.

Sander said the employee was hired as a substitute worker in October 2016 and was hired as cafeteria cashier and second shift custodian in September 2016.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Sander said. “We have a fantastic staff and outstanding schools. I hate that we have this black eye with this situation. I don’t want this to what Franklin City Schools are known for. We have too many good things going on… It does not define us and it’s not what we stand for.”

He said that the safety of students is always “first and foremost” in the district.

The resignation will be on the agenda of Franklin Board of Education meeting on Nov. 27. The agenda noted she was a cashier at Pennyroyal Elementary and a custodian at the Hampton Bennett Building.

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