Springboro teacher resigns after misconduct allegations, board meets today

The Springboro Board of Education has called a special meeting today to accept the resignation of a teacher placed on administrative leave Friday “pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct.”

On Tuesday, a lawyer who said she represented an alleged victim in the case said it involved “allegations of sexual misconduct.”

The lawyer, Angela Wallace, said in an email, “We are actively investigating this matter.”

RELATED: Springboro physical education teacher put on leave over possible misconduct

Scott Marshall, communications coordinator for the school district, declined to elaborate on the allegations made on Friday by the parent of a student at Clearcreek Elementary School against physical education teacher John Austin Hopkins.

“We learned of a potential allegation from a parent,” Marshall told WHIO-TV on Tuesday. “There was concern a teacher acted inappropriately.”

Hopkins was placed on paid leave Friday.

All his contact information was redacted from school records provided in response to a public records request. He could not be reached for comment.

RELATED: Springboro PE teacher resigns amid misconduct investigation

On Tuesday, by letter, Hopkins said he was resigning “for personal and professional reasons.”

No criminal charges had been filed.

"Detectives are working closely with the Springboro School District as they investigate this situation. Due to this matter being an ongoing investigation, there is no other information that can be released at this time," Lt. Aaron Zimmaro said in a press release issued Monday night.

A run sheet from the police call Friday, released in response to a Dayton Daily News public records request, indicates School Resource Officer Aaron Nicley was called to the elementary school for “investigation into conduct by an adult in the building.”

Hopkins’ personnel file indicates this school year was his first as a full-time teacher. He was splitting his time between Clearcreek Elementary and Springboro intermediate schools.

Hopkins, a Springboro native and Springboro High graduate, had worked for the school district, with a break, as custodian or substitute since April 2016, according to the file.

In his introductory letter, Hopkins, who goes by Austin, said he was part of a family of local educators.

On Monday, the school district sent a letter and robo-called parents and guardians of children at both schools about the investigation.

"The Springboro Police Department and Springboro Schools are investigating an allegation at this point. However, any allegation is of the utmost concern. This allegation may implicate unprofessional conduct by a physical education teacher, which Springboro Schools takes very seriously," the letter said.

The letter also said the investigation “could take several days” and provided a series of contact phone numbers, including the police.

“If you are not contacted by Springboro police, it is believed your student was not involved in the investigation or allegation against the teacher,” the letter, “intended as a private communication,” said.

The school board is to meet to consider the resignation at 5:45 p.m. at board offices, 1685 S. Main St. in Springboro.

WHIO-TV reporter John Bedell contributed to this report.

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