Gwinnett teacher resigns after allegations

A Lanier High School teacher has resigned after Gwinnett County Public Schools began investigating allegations that he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a student.

Oji Perkins, a varsity girls’ basketball coach who also taught special education and math, resigned citing “personal reasons” on Friday, only four days after the new school year started, school officials said.

Gwinnett County School Police are conducting a criminal investigation, said Bernard Watson, a district spokesman.

Gwinnett County Public Schools will make a report to the Professional Standards Commission, which certifies teachers in Georgia, about the investigation, Watson said.

The county school district provided no details about the alleged relationship.

Perkins has been a certified teacher in Georgia since 2007 according to information from the PSC. His teaching certification was renewed in July.

Earlier this year, four other teachers at Gwinnett County schools were accused of sexually assaulting students.

The cases against those instructors — three public school teachers and one private school teacher — include allegations of molestation, groping, rape and a two-anda-half year sexual relationship, all involving students.