A Ripley Middle School teacher resigned Thursday after an allegation surfaced that he allegedly sent an inappropriate text message to a student four years ago.
Dr. Stephen Oborn, Superintendent of the Ripley Union Lewis Huntington School District, wouldn't name the teacher because an investigation is underway and no charges have been filed.
However, he did say the teacher had been with the district for 27 years.
"I want to protect the students. I want to protect the staff, the school and my teachers in these situations," he stated.
The accusation reportedly took place in mid-2005, but was reported a week ago.
A high school senior told a guidance counselor about the communication and Dr. Oborn immediately started an official inquiry.
"The issue has to do with communication via the computer and it was not anything other than that," Dr. Oborn said. "We had one instance of one student reporting improper communication using technology."
"The allegations right now are just words -- no pictures," the Superintendent stated, adding that it's not believed anything occurred on school property or with school equipment.
One thing that Dr. Oborn said bothers him and others is why the incident was reported four years after the girl said it occurred.
"It begs the question why," Dr. Oborn wondered. "There's reasons it's sometimes suppressed. There are certainly other reasons, but it doesn't make any difference when it comes to us. Whatever time it is, we deal with it as instantaneously as we can."
Word of the accusation and resignation spread quickly through the close-knit community of Ripley, nestled along the Ohio River.
It was the main topic of conversation at the 50's Diner on Route 52 in the middle of town.
"Some believe it. Some don't," said Dollie Truitt. "You don't know if it's true until it's true."
Susan McKee described him as a really good teacher to made sure she worked hard and accomplished things.
"I don't think he would do anything like that," she said. "At least I don't think he would."
The teacher's resignation is what bothered Kay Flaugher.
"That doesn't look good," she said. "If I wasn't doing it, I wouldn't resign."
Dr. Oborn said the matter has upset the entire 1,200 student district.
"It is devastating. It hurts everyone involved," he said. "That is the sad thing about this."
