Teacher on paid leave during inquiry

Thu., June 8, 2006

By Kandis Carper kandisc@spokesman.com

A University High School teacher was put on paid administrative leave by the Central Valley School District, pending an investigation into allegations by parents and students that he may have had an inappropriate relationship with a female student.

Band teacher Keith Nielsen, who has been with the school about 14 years, is already under investigation by the Office of Professional Practices following a complaint filed by Central Valley School District Superintendent Mike Pearson in October.

Charles Schreck, state director for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, confirmed that a letter of complaint was filed by the district.

“This is still an open investigation. I haven’t received any other complaints on Mr. Nielsen. The letter from the superintendent indicated that he possessed sufficient, reliable information that Mr. Nielsen may have engaged in acts of unprofessional conduct. I believe it has to do with boundary issues with students,” said Schreck.

He said that after the state completes its investigation, which is prioritized by the seriousness of the allegation, officials will decide what action, if any, to take with the teacher’s education certificate.

“I’m assuming that this is something brand new, in addition to the one we’ve got. If these new allegations are much more serious than the original ones, it could be recategorized and give a different priority to the investigation. It (a new complaint) would be incorporated into our initial investigation as long as it’s open,” said Schreck.

District spokeswoman Melanie Rose said that Nielsen was placed on leave a week or two ago. “No one in the district is commenting because it’s an open investigation,” said Rose.

Nielsen will continue to draw paychecks until the investigation is over. “We are trying to move the process forward as quickly as possible,” Rose said.

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