Teacher arrested for alleged lewd acts with students

Joseph Toy, 39, of San Bruno was booked into San Mateo County jail

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO » Authorities on Thursday arrested a longtime Westborough Middle School teacher for alleged “inappropriate interactions” with students during school hours.

The teacher — identified by South San Francisco police as Joseph Toy, 39, of San Bruno — was booked into San Mateo County jail on felony charges of lewd and lascivious acts with children.

“We are both dismayed and saddened by this news,” said South San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Shawnterra Moore in a statement posted to the school’s website.

In a news release, police said they launched a criminal investigation on April 25 after being told that Toy was having inappropriate interactions with students during school hours.

The district placed Toy on administrative leave the same day and notified parents of the students who were allegedly involved, according to police.

“The safety of the students is paramount and will not be jeopardized,” police said in the news release.

Toy, who has taught at Westborough Middle School for 13 years, will not be allowed on any of the district’s campuses pending the outcome of the case, according to Moore.

“Our students and staff will receive our full support as we continue to ensure a safe learning environment for our school community,” she said. “In order to ensure that student learning is not disrupted, we have assigned a qualified, long-term substitute teacher to the classroom.”

Charges could be filed against Toy as early as Friday, said San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

The investigation is continuing in the meantime, and police are asking anyone with information to call 650-877-8900.