NEW LEXINGTON - A New Lexington Middle School teacher and coach has been placed on suspension without pay for engaging in inappropriate and harassing conduct involving minor female students, according to the district.

Nate Wycinski, 30, served as an intervention specialist, special education teacher and assistant football and baseball coach during his 7-year career at New Lexington Middle School.

During a Aug. 12 special meeting, New Lexington school board members voted unanimously to initiate contract termination proceedings with regard to Wycinski's employment.

Superintendent Casey Coffey said he could not comment on the matter and Wycinski could not be reached for comment on Friday.

According to the meeting minutes, the district completed a confidential internal investigation following allegations that Wycinski was engaging in inappropriate and harassing conduct with female students.

As a result of the investigation the district concluded that Wycinski had violated the board's anti-harassment policy to wit:

Sexual propositions, invitations, solicitations, innuendos, comments and flirtations with minor female students of the New Lexington School District

Inappropriate physical and/or sexual contact with minor female students of the New Lexington School District

Inappropriate boundary invasions of minor female students of the New Lexington School District

Inappropriate written/electronic communications with minor female students of the New Lexington School District, using personal cell phones of such students, to make contact with such students beyond the school day and for non-school purpose

Taking undue interest in minor female students of the New Lexington School District

The above-described conduct, according to the board minutes, also constitutes violations of board policies, student supervision and welfare, and constitutes just cause for termination.

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