By Jim Hannah
The Cincinnati Enquirer

INDEPENDENCE - A Kenton County middle school teacher has resigned amid allegations of inappropriate behavior toward some of his pupils.

The Summit View Middle School teacher resigned after being confronted by school officials about the allegations, police confirmed on Thursday. No criminal charges have been filed against the teacher, who has not been identified.

"What we're looking at is possible inappropriate behavior between a teacher and student," said Sgt. Tony Lucas of Independence police. "We are in the very early stages of this investigation. We need to interview a number of people, including some of his students."

Lucas confirmed it was a male teacher who resigned last week but wouldn't say the gender of the student or students involved. He also declined to say what the inappropriate behavior might have been.

Mum on specifics

Officials with Summit View Middle School, 5002 Madison Pike, referred all inquires to district headquarters. The school has about 730 students in grades six to eight.

"The safety of our students is our priority," said Kenton County School District superintendent Susan Cook.

She said the case was a personnel matter and declined to speak about specifics.

"It is still very early in the investigation," Cook said. "The person is no longer an employee. The children are safe. That's all I have to say."

Joel Griffith, service regional administrator for the Cabinet for Families and Children, said an investigation was being done with the help of the school district and Independence Police.

He, too, declined to speak about specifics of the case.

Today is the last day of school before summer break.

E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com