Teacher put on leave after possibly recording student

BELLINGHAM – A teacher at the Bellingham Memorial School has been placed on administrative leave while police investigate allegations that he recorded a student using the faculty bathroom.

The teacher, whose name has not been released, was placed on leave Nov. 9 after a 14-year-old male student at the school told the school resource officer that the teacher – a sports coach for more than 14 years – told him he could use the faculty bathroom. Once inside, the boy told police he found a box planted on a locker with a hole and a cellphone recording inside. The bathroom is described as a coach’s bathroom in a locker room area.

The student told police that the teacher let him use the restroom, which is located in the back of the building.

When investigators began looking into the claim, they found the box and teacher’s phone, both of which matched the student’s description.

School Superintendent Peter Marano said he immediately notified the Bellingham Police Department, adding the School Department is cooperating in the ongoing investigation. The school department is also investigating.

“This individual was immediately removed from the classroom when the district learned of the alleged conduct and we immediately contacted the police,” Marano said in a notice to parents Wednesday.

“We continue to remain committed to our efforts to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. Student safety is our highest priority,” he said.

Police say the teacher’s name has not been made public because the investigation is ongoing and no criminal charges have yet been announced.

The student was interviewed by police as well as the district attorney’s office. Police said the teacher has been cooperative and has no prior criminal record.