BAKER — A Baker School math teacher has been placed on administrative leave while school district officials investigate a student’s accusation of sexual harassment.
John Fowler was put on leave last week after an initial inquiry into a high schooler’s allegations revealed the need for more investigation, according to Mike Foxworthy, the chief human resources officer for the Okaloosa County School District.
Foxworthy said Fowler is accused of making inappropriate statements to a student.
Arden Farley, who investigates those types of situations for the district, is wrapping up his investigation and should have a recommendation on what action should or should not be taken soon, Foxworthy said.
“We don’t see anything on the surface that would be ground for termination,” Foxworthy said.
It isn’t the first time Fowler has come under review. In November 2007, he was accused of “inappropriate physical contact” with a student after a disciplinary incident on a bus during a band trip.
School district officials suspended him for two days without pay after that investigation.
Fowler was selected as the high school teacher of the year at Baker in 1999 and 2000. He also was a finalist for the district’s Outstanding First Year Teacher for 1996-97.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or ktammen@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker teacher investigated for alleged sexual harassment