MIDDLETOWN, Ind. -- A teacher and FFA advisor with the Shenandoah School Corporation has resigned amid an internal investigation.
Melissa Lovett submitted her resignation on June 28 to Superintendent Ron Green, according to Green.
The district launched an internal investigation on May 26 into Lovett’s conduct, and placed Lovett on administrative leave with pay that same day, Green told RTV6.
Lovett was not allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.
“She was directed not to contact SSC staff, employees, students, or parents of students or come to school property except by special permission of myself, as superintendent,” said Green in an email to Call 6 Investigates.
Indiana State Police sent a detective to the high school in May to look into an allegation involving inappropriate contact with a student.
The Henry County prosecutor reviewed the inquiry as well.
“The allegations concerned a student, however there was nothing that would rise to the level of a criminal charge,” said Joe Bergacs, Henry County Prosecutor in an email to RTV6.
A source tells Call 6 Investigates the contact involved an 18-year-old student.
Superintendent Green would not comment on the specifics of the investigation, but said the investigation by his office is “complete and closed.”
The district’s ethics policy states staff “shall not associate with students at any time in a manner which gives the appearance of impropriety, including, but not limited to, the creation or participation in any situation or activity which could be considered abusive or sexually suggestive or involved illegal substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.”
Lovett served as a high school agriculture teacher and an FFA advisor at the high school, according to the district and FFA websites.
Call 6 Investigates has called, texted and emailed Lovett seeking comment, but Lovett has not responded.
FFA referred inquiries about Lovett to the school corporation.
Superintendent Green said he accepted Lovett’s resignation on June 28, and the school board will formally act on the resignation at their next meeting on Monday July 25.
