De Queen teacher resigns following allegations of inappropriate communications

De Queen Public Schools is announcing the resignation of a De Queen Junior High School teacher following allegations of inappropriate communications with students.

In a statement, district officials said they learned of the allegations involving the teacher on Aug. 23. Those allegations were immediately investigated and the appropriate agencies, including law enforcement, were notified. The employee was placed on administrative leave the same day as those allegations became known.

The employee has since resigned from De Queen Public Schools and the resignation was accepted at a special school board meeting held Monday night. The situation has now been turned over to the Professional Licensure Standards Board at the Arkansas Department of Education.

District officials say they are unable to provide further comments or the teacher’s identity due to this being a personnel matter. In a statement, the District said its expectation is for all students in its Leopard Family to be safe and supported. In addition, the district encourages parents and students to notify the administration immediately with any information concerning the health and safety of its students.

The district said it will continue to cooperate with all appropriate agencies if additional information becomes available.

District officials said De Queen Public Schools takes all reports of employee misconduct very seriously and that district employees are always expected to maintain a professional relationship with each student both in and outside of the classroom.