A Massachusetts teacher is out of a job after allegations emerged of an inappropriate relationship between the teacher and a former student.
Stoughton school officials say the Stoughton High School teacher resigned after being served with an "intention to dismiss" notice, meaning the district had begun the termination process.
The teacher, whose name was not released, was initially placed on administrative leave on Sept. 18 after the school's superintendent learned about a report indicating the teacher started a sexual relationship with a student that continued after the student graduated and had recently ended. The report has been forwarded to police, according to the school district.
"He's very close to the students," said Olivia Hoffman, a junior at the school. "Some students usually eat lunch in his classroom, and to me, that was always a little peculiar."
School officials say the relationship started while the student was in school, and continued after graduation. The relationship, they say, recently came to an end.
"It is absolutely prohibited and completely inappropriate for a teacher to have any kind of relationship other than a teacher-student relationship in school," said Superintendent Maggie Rizzi.
The district has not revealed who came forward or why.
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Students say a popular engineering teacher who also coaches softball is at the center of the allegations.
"He always went out of his way to help students," said senior Joey Williams.
"I know a lot of students look up to him," said Mia Greene, a senior.
It's unknown how long the relationship went on for.
Stoughton Police are investigating the allegations to see if criminal charges should be brought.
