Oswego, N.Y. (The Weekly Vice) -- Jennifer K. Dempsey, a 28 year old Spanish Teacher and Cheerleading coach at Oswego High School has been arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
According to police, Dempsey was arrested on Tuesday for having an inappropriate relationship with a 16 year old male student. Police characterize the relationship as intimate and ongoing, but have stated that the relationship did not appear to be sexual.
Dempsey was suspended from the school in February after she had allegedly engaged in inappropriate communications with several students via text messaging, email and handwritten notes. Upon return to work, she received a letter of reprimand, a reduction in salary and agreed to maintain appropriate behavior in the future.
Shortly after her reprimand, additional information surfaced that implicated Dempsey in additional inappropriate contact with the teen boy. Police became aware of the relationship after parents complained to school officials about Dempsey's communications with their son.
"At this point there are no allegations involving sexual contact," said Oswego County Assistant District Attorney Greg Oakes.
Upon Dempsey's arrest, she was placed on paid leave by the school on Tuesday. Her future with the school will be decided by the Oswego School Board, according to district spokesperson David Fisher.
Dempsey was released on a promise to appear in court on April 3rd.
The Weekly Vice Opinion:
Sounds to us like this case may be a bit of overkill - however perhaps that's what it will take to wake these teachers up from playing the roll of friend with these kids as opposed to being an authority figure and educator. We wouldn't be surprised one bit if this teacher was well liked by a majority of students who considered her "cool".
On the other hand, teachers have lost much of their ability to really control the classroom, which drives many good teachers out of the profession and makes room for 'friend' teachers who aren't necessarily a benefit to our kids.
We commend the parents here for being alert enough to stop this tainted relationship in it's tracks.
Danny Vice
The Weekly Vice
http://weeklyvice.blogspot.com
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