Rockingham County high school staff members on administrative leave pending investigation
Apr 02, 2025
MAYODAN. N.C. (WGHP) -- Two staff members at a Rockingham County school are on administrative leave.
On Wednesday afternoon, Dalton McMichael High School parents like Angel Puckett received a phone call regarding two teachers.
"Basically, we got a phone call that they were on leave of absence
because of inappropriate behavior," Puckett said.
It's an accusation Puckett says her grandson had known for more than a week.
According to a statement released by Rockingham County Schools on March 21, the district was made aware of accusations involving two staff members at DMHS.
Upon learning the accusations, RCS immediately removed the employees from the school and placed them on administrative leave pending a full investigation.
Due to the nature of the accusations, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office is now assisting.The school district has not revealed what the two employees are accused of, but Puckett says one of them was well-liked.
"It's actually a teacher that's been there for years. All of us thought so highly of them," Puckett said.
Though Puckett is glad the two staff members are suspended as the investigation continues,she's demanding transparency from the school system for parents like herself and students like her grandson.
"I think all the kids today are floored," Puckett said.
RCS says the investigation is ongoing. A spokesperson says any employee who violates RCS policy regarding contact with students will be immediately referred to law enforcement.
FOX8 has reached out to both the school system and the RCSO for more details, and they have not released any additional information about the suspended employees.
The full RCS statement is provided below:
On March 21, RCS was made aware of allegations involving two staff members of Dalton McMichael High School. Upon learning of the allegations, RCS immediately removed the employees from the school and placed them on administrative leave pending a full investigation. Due to the nature of the allegations, RCS promptly contacted the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and provided all known information to assist with their investigation. “As a district, we have high expectations for all employees, particularly regarding student safety,” said John O. Stover, III, Superintendent of Rockingham County Schools. “We want our students, parents, and community to know that we take these matters seriously. Any employee who is found to have violated RCS policy regarding conduct towards students will be immediately referred to law enforcement and held to the highest standard allowed by law.” At this time, no further details can be provided due to the ongoing investigation. RCS appreciates the cooperation and understanding of the community as the situation is thoroughly reviewed.
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