SOLON, Ohio — A former Solon teacher is being investigated by the district for allegedly inappropriately contacting students.
The district said they learned about the allegations recently and the teacher left the district two years ago.
The district is asking any former students with information to reach out to them and the Solon Police Department.
The district sent the following letter to families on Sunday:
"Dear Solon Schools Families,
In recent days we have learned about new allegations of inappropriate contact between a former teacher and student. These allegations are deeply troubling. School should be a safe space and we take seriously our responsibility to students’ physical and emotional well-being. Teachers and educators hold positions of trust with their students.
Late last week, the district became aware of additional allegations involving the same former teacher. The district intends to speak with the affected individuals concerning the allegations about inappropriate contact with a teacher when they were enrolled in the district and obtain additional information, including written statements that could be placed in the former teacher’s personnel files if those individuals so request. The district will advise them to contact the Ohio Department of Education, which licenses educators, if they believe they have information that would be relevant to any ongoing investigations and recommend that they contact the Solon Police Department. The district will assist them in making these connections in any way they desire.
It is the district’s practice to thoroughly investigate all allegations brought to its attention and to report any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect under Ohio law, as appropriate. When allegations were raised more than two years ago involving the teacher in question, the district promptly investigated the allegations and fulfilled its responsibilities by reporting to the proper state and local authorities. These reports are confidential. During the investigation, the teacher was removed from the classroom and direct contact with students. The actions taken at that time were solely focused on ensuring student safety.
As we continue to learn more in real time – just as many of you are from public postings on social media platforms – we pledge to work with and connect any former students who bring these matters to our attention to the proper authorities. If other students have material information to share, we encourage them to contact the school district and law enforcement immediately. The Solon Police Department Detective Bureau can be reached at 440-337-1465.
We value the partnership we have with students and families. We understand that relationship is based on trust. If you or your child ever experiences or hears of a concerning situation it is imperative that you share the information with us immediately. Students can always either speak with district administrators or utilize the district’s Safe School Helpline (1-800-418- 6423, ext. 359, or text TIPS to 66746), which has been in place for more than a decade to promote school safety and provide students, parents and staff members the opportunity to report inappropriate or illegal activity. Although we say it all the time, we really do mean that if you see something, say something. The district is committed to promptly investigating complaints and taking appropriate responsive action based upon the outcome of those investigations."
