MELBOURNE, Fla. – A physical education teacher at Johnson Middle School in Melbourne is on leave and under investigation after it was reported they allegedly played a role in “allowing students to fight on campus,” according to statements from the school and its district.
Principal Marina Saporito-Middleton in a letter to student families promised the allegations would be thoroughly investigated by both law enforcement and Brevard Public Schools’ human resources office.
“It was reported that the teacher allegedly played a role in allowing students to fight on our campus. Please know that upon receipt of this information, swift action occurred which involved contacting all necessary parties from Law Enforcement to District personnel. There is an active police investigation which means there is limited information that can be shared. I can tell you that the teacher has been placed on administrative leave and is currently not allowed on campus,” Saporito-Middleton wrote.
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider]
According to a statement from the school district, the Florida Department of Children and Families is also looking into the allegations against the teacher.
It was reported that a Johnson Middle School PE teacher allegedly played a role in allowing students to fight on campus. Upon learning of this allegation, law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families were contacted, and the teacher was placed on administrative leave. There is an active police investigation along with an internal school district investigation. We will have no further comment at this time.
Brevard Public Schools | Government & Community Relations
Parent Andre Henry said he first heard the rumors about the fighting when his son told him two months ago.
“He was telling me one time, with the gym teacher, the kids are fighting in the school,” Henry said.
Another parent, Shannon Perez, said the gym teacher taught her seventh-grade daughter.
“I just want to know what the facts are first,” the mother said. “Every situation’s different and maybe it was something they couldn’t even control,” Perez continued.
Police and the district said they’re not commenting further right now.
Henry had a message for investigators.
“I need you guys to get to the bottom of it because the teacher is supposed to have full control over the kids in the gym instead of getting violent,” the father said.
This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for updates.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: