Stevenson High School Dean Probed For Sending Inappropriate Texts
UPDATED 04/19/12 11:47 a.m.
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. (CBS) -- A dean at Stevenson High school in Lincolnshire is under investigation for reportedly sending inappropriate text messages to a student.
As CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports, the scandal was the talk of the school Thursday morning. CBS 2 was not allowed to approach any of the school's more than 4,000 students while on campus, but police say the texts were sent to an 18-year-old male student.
Police also say the messages did not meet the definition of explicit "sexting," and do not merit criminal charges.
The Lincolnshire police chief said the texts came up to the proverbial line, but never crossed it.
Further details about the text messages were not revealed in the Tribune report.
School spokesman Jin Conrey said the "conduct of an employee in a certain situation" was the focus of an investigation, but, "we're unable to give any details. I'm unable to give any details of any details of any incidents that occurred."
A Stevenson High School District 125 school board meeting is set for Thursday night. Conrey said the issue might be discussed, but not in front of the public.
"It's possible. I haven't gotten a definitive answer on that, but there is an executive session scheduled prior to the school board meeting tonight," Conrey said, adding that the issue would "certainly" be discussed behind closed doors because "it's a personnel matter."
The Lake County State's Attorney's office is reviewing the texts to determine whether any criminal charges are warranted in the case.
The dean is still employed, but is currently barred from campus.
This is the second scandal involving text messages at Stevenson High School this year, although the last one did not involve faculty or staff.
Two students from the school were arrested and charged with misdemeanor drug offenses after police discovered that text messages were going back and forth in school to arrange drug purchases. About 10 grams of marijuana were found on one student.
Other students were suspended following an investigation, in which school officials and authorities seized students' cell phones.
