Penn-Trafford officials investigate employee’s possible interaction with former students
Tuesday – March 31, 2015
By The Tribune-Review
Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 4:39 p.m.

Penn-Trafford school officials confirmed Tuesday that the district is investigating the conduct of an employee who possibly had personal interactions with former students.

In a press release, Superintendent Matthew Harris said administrators were made aware of the concerns by high school staff members and students, who questioned the conduct of a district employee with regard to the “existence and nature of personal communication with former district students.”

“Based upon the confidential nature of such matters, including the identity of those students and staff who may be involved, the administration cannot comment as to any specifics,” Harris said.

Township police have been informed of the investigation.

Police Chief John Otto said school officials notified the police department that they are investigating potentially inappropriate behavior on the part of a school district employee.

“Our investigators have taken some very preliminary measures to conduct a separate investigation concerning this same employee in order to determine if any or all of the circumstances surrounding this employee are criminal in nature,” Otto said.

Otto said it was too early in the investigation to release further details.

Harris indicated that students and parents will be kept informed.

“Notwithstanding the confidentiality of information which must be preserved … this is to advise students and parents that all appropriate steps are being taken to investigate these concerns and to take any action that may be warranted as a result,” Harris said in the release that was posted on the school district website.

The investigation was initiated recently and is ongoing, he said.

Harris said the administration and school directors place the safety and welfare of its students ahead of all other interests “and will continue to take all necessary action to safeguard the physical, emotional and educational well-being of all students.”

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