News

Stoughton teacher resigns amid allegations of relationship with student

STOUGHTON, Mass. — A high school teacher in Stoughton is no longer employed by the district after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi and Stoughton High School Principal Juliette Miller said they recently learned of an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and a former student. The relationship allegedly began when the student was at the high school and continued after they graduated, but had recently ended.

The teacher, whose name has not been released because they are not facing charges, was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 18, hours after the superintendent learned of the report. The teacher resigned after the district served them with an "intention to dismiss" notice, which indicated the district was beginning the termination process.

"The allegations point to a startling abuse of the trust placed in every teacher," Superintendent Rizzi said. "This individual was immediately removed from the classroom when the district learned of the alleged relationship, and we are cooperating fully with the Stoughton Police Department. I understand that there is a tremendous desire for more information, but we are bound by the law in what we can say publicly, and we also cannot jeopardize the ongoing investigation."

Students who know the teacher said at first they were left wondering why he wasn't in class.

"You heard different reasons why he was not there, then you figured out why he wasn’t there," senior Joey Williams said.

Other students described the teacher as caring.

“He’s really close with his students and for the club he advises. He’s just close with his students,” junior Olivia Hoffman said.

The grandparent of one student told Boston 25 News she believes the teacher is "sick."

“Teachers should know better, they shouldn’t be having these relationships with students,” Nancy Callender said. “This person is very sick, this shouldn’t happen.”

Stoughton police are still investigating the incident.

TOP STORIES: