Fitch teacher on leave as alleged relationship probed

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

An Austintown Fitch High School teacher is on paid administrative leave, not suspension, while the district and Austintown police investigate an alleged improper relationship.

Superintendent Vincent Colaluca said a 47-year old social studies teacher, who has been with the district since 2006, is on administrative leave after a female student approached the district about an improper relationship.

Colaluca said the district’s internal investigation has been ongoing over the last several weeks and Austintown police are also investigating the matter.

Having an inappropriate relationship with a student would violate the Ohio Department of Education’s Code of Professional Conduct for teachers, and could lead to the revocation of a teaching license.