Ohio school’s parents upset accused teacher has returned to class

ORRVILLE − Several parents at last week’s board meeting voiced opposition to the return to the classroom of a math teacher who was accused of inappropriate behavior with students.

The teacher had been on paid administrative leave for more than a year and was working from home. His return to school in April came after an investigation involving two independent parties found the Orrville High School teacher had sexually harassed two teenage female students.

Currently the teacher is instructing his classes in the school library with monitoring cameras on.

At Thursday’s Orrville City Schools board meeting some parents asked the board to reconsider its decision.

“The board’s job is it ensures the safety and well-being of the students, and by bringing him back you will not insure their safety,” Mario Dalessandro said.

Dalessandro came to the meeting with his daughter who he said was harassed by the teacher multiple times.

“From the very first day that my daughter started her sophomore year she complained about his behavior and comments he made in class,” he said.

Dalessandro told the board this was not a social media rumor the students created.

He added he had several family members who graduated from Orrville Schools years ago and had the same complaints.

“He has a pattern of inappropriate behavior that probably had gone on for more than any of us had known,” he said.

Mary Alterio said her daughter was harassed by the teacher and urged the board to take a different action as the accommodation is unacceptable and unfair for the victims.

“The Title IX is worthless if you don’t take action and do some discipline with it,” she said.

She also presented a victim statement for the from a student who graduated from Orrville in 2012 and had the same allegations.

“We teach kids all these character words; let’s hold our educator accountable to these character words that you guys expect our kids to step up to, expect it from your teachers,” she said.

The board expressed its frustration, however, board President Greg Roadruck said they don’t discuss personnel matters during public meetings.

Opposition to Backpack Bill

Public participation shifted to a different topic when Greg Ferrara urged the board to oppose the Backpack Bill.

The Backpack Bill is supported by Orrville Christian Education Network. It is a funding system that provides students with Education Saving Accounts. Students can use the account for educational expenses, including tuition at a private school or homeschooling.

“The goal is not to improve public education, the goal is to use tax dollars to fund private Christian schools to fund non-charter nonpublic school and homeschooling,” Ferrara said.

“I strongly urge the board of education to pass a resolution to make a public opposition to Backpack Bill,” he said.