Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A South Ripley High School teacher is being investigated by the Indiana State Police for alleged misconduct with a female student at the school.

Det. Vance Patton confirmed that emails have been turned over to police for investigation that involve inappropriate content from the teacher, Ed Newman, to a female student.

Det. Patton told The Versailles Republican he doesn’t know if charges can be filed due to several factors surrounding the situation, one being the girl’s age, which is 18. He said he will turn all the information over to the prosecutor and then see what can be done, if anything.

Dr. John Mehrle, superintendent of South Ripley schools, could only comment that a teacher had been suspended with pay. That is the procedure at this point in the investigation and the superintendent cannot legally make further comment on the situation.

Those involved with the situation say the superintendent took immediate action as did police and others who are in place to make sure students are safe as soon as it was brought to their attention.
Newman has been teaching government at the high school since 2002.

He is the senior class sponsor for 2010-2011, academic team coach, the Jr. High cross-country coach, the Jr. High track and field coach, and has volunteered to help with the environmental club, according to a profile on the school’s website.

The profile also noted that Newman has operated a home for abused children in the past and was part owner of a security company. He currently owns a bed and breakfast in Osgood.

Newman also serves as the representative for the Town of Osgood to the Ripley County Planning Commission and teaches online classes with the Indiana Virtual Academy.

Ed Newman