Thursday, June 9, 2005 Monroe teacher resigns amid allegations By Sue Kiesewetter Enquirer contributor MONROE - A Monroe High School teacher has resigned amid allegations he was involved in inappropriate behavior with female students in the district. A second teacher, whom school and police would not name, is also under investigation in a separate incident, also involving students. History teacher David Barber was put on paid administrative leave two weeks ago and submitted his letter of resignation June 4, effective immediately. The school board is expected to accept Barber's resignation at Monday's meeting. "We felt there was an incident the police needed to be informed about and called them,'' said Superintendent Arnol Elam. In part, Barber's brief letter read: "I apologize to you, the district and especially to the students involved." Barber has been a history teacher in the district for four years. He has also served as the fall after school site supervisor and was an assistant boys baseball coach. Police confirmed today there were two active criminal investigations involving allegations of improper conduct between two male teachers at the school and female students on school property. Today was the last day of classes for Monroe students. Police Chief Gregory Homer said because the investigation was ongoing he would not release the names or the nature of the two teachers or the improper conduct alleged. Sgt. Brian Curlis, who is heading the investigation, said the police received separate complaints May 31 and June 1. "As of now we're conducting two totally separate investigations,'' Curlis said. In a statement, Homer said once the investigation was complete the cases would be presented directly to the Butler County grand jury for consideration of criminal charges. Barber could not be reached for comment. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050609/NEWS01/506100349 |