Shelby City Schools to fill position of teacher who has been on leave since February
SHELBY — Shelby City Schools is planning to fill the position of a middle school teacher who has been on paid administrative leave since late February.
Stefanie Kellenberger was placed on leave on Feb. 28.
In a letter dated May 2, which the News Journal obtained through a public records request, Superintendent Michael Browning told Kellenberger that her teaching position will be filled "to ensure continuity and allow teachers to collaborate over the summer months as they plan for the next school year."
"While you are still on paid administrative leave, the district must begin planning for the next school year," Browning wrote. "There is uncertainty about when the investigation will be completed ... and how long these processes will take."
Browning told Kellenberger she will have a teaching position in her licensure area "if/when the time and circumstances allow." He told Kellenberger she will be allowed to come into the building in early June to remove her personal belongings.
Kellenberger, who was hired by the district for the 2015-16 school year, teaches sixth-grade English and language arts. Her salary for the 2023-24 school year is $68,814.
Browning issued a letter to district families March 4.
"On Feb. 28, 2024, at 7:20 p.m., I received a phone call from the Mansfield City Police Department informing me that allegations were made against a middle school teacher," he wrote. "At Shelby City Schools, we care deeply about our students and staff, and as a result, we take every allegation very seriously."
School district cooperating with police; no charges have been filed
Browning told families the district is cooperating with police as well as conducting its own investigation.
"The well-being of all Shelby students and staff is of utmost importance," he wrote. "We do everything we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment for anyone who enters our buildings, and we hold everyone accountable to the code of conduct expected in our schools.
"Because this is an ongoing investigation and out of respect for all involved, it is not appropriate for me to share further details at this time; however, I can commit to you that I will be as open and honest as I can throughout this entire process. As details become available, I will be sure to share them with you."
Kellenberger has not been charged with any crimes. Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher said the investigation is ongoing.
Browning notified Kellenberger Feb. 28 that she would be put on paid administrative leave.
In a letter to the teacher, Browning told her she would be assigned to her home during school hours. She was to make herself available by telephone, available to perform work if requested to do so and available to cooperate with the board of education's investigation.
Further, Browning told Kellenberger she could not attend school, school functions or engage in other extracurricular activities, whether on district property or at any other location. She also was prohibited from accessing school equipment, computers or services.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Shelby OH City Schools teacher has been on paid leave since Feb. 28
