An
investigation is underway in Deerpark after two Port Jervis Middle School
students reported being "inappropriately touched" by a substitute math teacher
last Thursday.
Authorities say the incident was not
sexual in nature but that the students said it made them "feel uncomfortable."
The Port Jervis
School District sent a letter home to parents Friday saying students reported
the teacher was "working to close" to them and touched them on their arm, hand,
back and leg.
District
officials say the substitute teacher was removed from the classroom and will no
longer work for the district.
"We are very disappointed to hear of these
types of actions from the substitute staff member and proud of our students for
speaking up for themselves and their classmates," said Port Jervis Middle
School Principal Andrew Marotta
Anyone with information about the
incident is asked to call Deerpark police at 845-856-4333.