North Central teacher suspended while allegations involving a student investigated

PIONEER, Ohio — A teacher in Pioneer, Ohio, has been suspended while allegations involving a student are investigated.

“The District is aware of an allegation involving a teacher," North Central Local Schools Superintendent Michael Bute said in a prepared statement. "We are not able to share any details at this time. However, we are working closely with law enforcement. We remain committed to ensuring we provide a safe learning environment for our students. The District will make no further comments because it is an ongoing law enforcement matter. All inquiries should be directed to the Pioneer Police Department.”

Subsequently, a request for records concerning the investigation was made by The Village Reporter, and on April 2, North Central Schools Treasurer Eric Smeltzer furnished the requested document.

The document indicated that Tessa Steinke was placed on administrative leave on March 10. Steinke is listed as a high school physical education and health teacher on the North Central website.

The letter that was sent reads as follows:

“Ms. Steinke, Effective immediately, you are hereby placed on paid administrative leave from your position in the District pending an investigation into allegations involving a student. During this administrative leave, you shall receive your full pay and any applicable benefits. However, while on administrative leave, you are not permitted to be on North Central Local School District property or attend District events without first receiving written permission from me.”

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“You are further directed to have no contact with any District students or employees, except for District administration and any union representative(s) regarding these allegations. You are required to turn in your keys immediately and shall have your school accounts disabled during this time as well. Your failure to abide by these directives may result in the imposition of discipline.”

Requests for comment were sent to Pioneer Police Chief Tim Livengood, who is also a North Central school board member, through email and phone calls to the department, but no response has been received at this time.

— Jacob Kessler is a news reporter for The Village Reporter. He can be reached by email at jacob@thevillagereporter.com.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: North Central teacher suspended during investigation into allegations