Centralia school district employee’s conduct with a student being investigated

A Centralia school district employee is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation whether he or she acted inappropriately with a student.

Right now, the name of the employee and the type of misconduct are not being released.

District Superintendent Darin Ford didn’t return ABC 17 News’ calls but did send an email statement:

“It has recently come to our attention that a Centralia School District employee may have engaged in misconduct with a District student. Based upon our investigation, there is no evidence, at this time, which indicates the District employee had sexual relations with the student. The District employee has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a thorough investigation. District students, staff and patrons should be aware that the District has contacted all appropriate legal authorities and is working cooperatively with said authorities. The Centralia School District takes seriously all allegations of misconduct and cannot reiterate enough that student safety is its highest priority. “

ABC 17 News talked with Centralia Police Chief Larry Dudgeon Wednesday, and he said they are still in the beginning process of the investigation.

“We have a lot of footwork yet to do,” Dudgeon said.

Some parents in Centralia told ABC 17 News the district never alerted them that an investigation was going on.