MIDDLETOWN — A Vail Middle School teacher who used his classroom computer to look at sexually oriented Web sites during the school day won't be in a Middletown classroom or coaching the Lady Hornets again.

        John Parks, 41, who also had been Lemon-Monroe High School's varsity girls basketball coach, resigned his teaching position two weeks ago — the same day the district's human resource director determined that he should be fired.

        In a Jan. 28 letter to interim MiddletownSuperintendent Norris Brown, Human Resources Director Brenda Long wrote that an investigation showed Mr. Parks had bypassed filters put on the school computer. The ability to bypass those filters has since been removed, Mrs. Long said.

        Mr. Parks could not be reached for comment.

        The investigation began in December, after school officials received a phone tip. About the same time, Mr. Parks requested and was put on paid sick leave. He has not been teaching or coaching since Dec. 7.

        “His evaluations are fine. He's done a lot in the area of sports,” said Mrs. Long, who added she had no reason to refer the matter to police.

        Monroe Superintendent Arnol Elam said Mr. Parks, a Lemon-Monroe graduate, was forthright and honest after he was granted sick leave. He also resigned as coach. This was his second year coaching the varsity.

        “He was well-liked by both the girls and parents,” Mr. Elam said.

        Mr. Parks began teaching at Vail Middle School in 1984, shortly after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. Every year he coached multiple sports including football, track, basketball and cross-country.

        Parent Tammy McMonigle, whose daughter played on Mr. Parks' basketball team, said he was never out of line with any student. Mrs. McMonigle coached track for four years and would often see him at meets.

        “I've known John for several years. He's a very nice man and I still think the same. Everyone makes mistakes,” Mrs. McMonigle said. “I was very disappointed. ... I pray for him.”

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