EXETER, N.H. (WHDH)–Explosive allegations at Exeter, New Hampshire High School. Police and school officials say they're investigating three teachers in connection with an allegation of inappropriate conduct in 2009; the alleged victim, a former female student.
“It was a third party report, and a school resource officer had become aware of alleged incidents and the police department became involved.” said Captain Stephan Poulin, Exeter Police Department.
“We first started out with one teacher being on paid administrative leave for issues to dealing with investigation, with regard to things that may not necessarily be appropriate in so far as a teacher's role is concerned,” said Michael Morgan, Exeter Regional Schools Superintendent.
The Superintendent says since the investigation began in April, two teachers have resigned and one has been placed on paid administrative leave.
The Superintendent also sent out a public letter acknowledging a screenplay, which sources say may have been written by the three teachers under investigation. Sources also say the screenplay contains sexually explicit scenes involving teachers and students.
“The screenplay is part of the investigation but I can't comment on it beyond that other than it might be considered by some to be certainly controversial,” Morgan said.
Police say the screenplay is part of their investigation as well. Parents and students are stunned by the allegations.
“I mean it's shocking. It's weird to think that right in community we live in stuff like this is happening,” said student, Tom Walters.
“It's sad. You cannot always know what's going to happen. I think they're doing a good thing by taking them out, and letting us know,” parent, Joyce Dow.
There are actually three different investigations going on. The police will be deciding whether any criminal charges will be brought forward. The school department will decide whether these teachers can keep their jobs even though two have already resigned, and the State Department of Education is investigating to determine whether the teachers can keep their teaching certificates. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.