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ARMSTRONG COUNTY, Pa. — A male substitute teacher was removed from the Armstrong Junior-Senior High School last month after district leaders learned he’s under investigation for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a female student, a source told Channel 11 News on Tuesday.
The source said the substitute teacher was removed from a classroom at the high school in Kittanning on Jan. 18, minutes after the district learned of the investigation.
Manor Township police said they are handling the investigation. Charges have not been filed in the case, which is why the substitute teacher has not been identified.
The substitute teacher issued the following statement to Channel 11 on Wednesday:
"I am innocent, fully cooperating with the investigation, and am the target of false rumors and accusations. I would also like to clarify that I am NOT a full-time, employed teacher in the Armstrong School District. I am a substitute teacher hired by a third-party staffing service and am not in any way solely associated with the Armstrong School District. It is unfortunate for the Armstrong School District that this rumor started in their district and has brought unwarranted negative attention to their great administrators and staff. Soon, the truth will reveal itself."
A spokesperson for the Armstrong District Attorney’s Office said an officer is helping with the investigation.
Bob Lloyd, a parent of a student, told Channel 11 News that he learned about the allegation on Facebook and said he’s frustrated that the school district hasn’t informed parents.
“We shouldn't have to hear about it on the news, or in the newspaper. We should be hearing it from the administrators, or someone up there. Someone should have notified us and told us,” he said.
Messages and emails left for administrators at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School were not returned as of Monday evening.
Cox Media Group
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