ASHLAND — David W. Chapman, a teacher at Ashland Middle School, has resigned from the district following an investigation into a report of alleged inappropriate conduct with current and former students, according to a press release issued Monday morning by Ashland City Schools Supt. Steve Paramore.
“We take allegations of this nature very seriously, and we have conducted a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the entire school community,” Paramore’s press release stated.
The district placed Chapman, a career exploration teacher, on administrative leave on Oct. 19 following allegations of misconduct. Monday’s press release stated the board approved his resignation.
Ashland Source left messages for board president John Teevan and Chapman (on his cell phone) on Monday morning. Neither could be immediately reached for comment for this story by the time of publication.
There were no details outlining the “inappropriate conduct” in either his personnel file or the press release. Ashland County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell said he had no information or reports about Chapman.
At Ashland City Schools’ November board meeting, Paramore offered a statement about putting an employee on leave pending an investigation. Paramore did not name the employee at that meeting, according to previous Ashland Source reporting.
Paramore confirmed to Ashland Source on Monday that Chapman was the employee in question at the November board meeting.
The district put out a statement to Ashland Middle School parents about the situation on Oct. 25.
Ashland Source obtained Chapman’s file through a public records request. The file contained a letter dated Oct. 19.
“You are assigned to home effective immediately pending the conclusion of an investigation involving allegations that you violated Board Policy by engaging in inappropriate conduct with students,” the letter from Paramore to Chapman stated.
It also said Chapman was not authorized to be on school property or at school events, and could not access the district’s computer systems.
The letter directed Chapman not to be in touch with any other district employees or students during the investigation, and the matter could not be discussed with “colleagues other than your representatives.”
“I appreciate the public’s understanding as we work through difficult circumstances, and as we work through not only this, but any other issues that may arise,” Paramore told Ashland Source Monday morning.
Paramore’s press release encouraged any students, families and community members to call the Safer Ohio Tipline for any concerns with school district employees or administrators.
You can call or text that tipline at 1-844-SaferOH, or 1-844-723-3764.