A Serra High School teacher has been placed on leave after allegedly making improper comments toward the school, a spokesperson from the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) confirmed.
SDUSD spokesperson Jack Brandais told NBC 7 San Diego that a teacher was placed on leave Wednesday after allegedly making “inappropriate remarks” while on the Junipero Serra High School campus. The nature of those alleged remarks was not specified, but Brandais did say the comments were made toward the school.
Students have identified the teacher as Steven Rea. The school's website says Rea teaches marching band, beginning and intermediate band, music appreciation and orchestra.
One student told NBC 7 that the incident happened during third period orchestra class. She said campus police walked into the classroom and escorted Rea out in front of her and other students without saying anything.
The vice principal then came in and took the students to the media center on campus, the teen said.
"I was a little surprised; confused. It was a little weird," said the student, adding that she doesn't know why Rea was led away from the classroom.
Brandais said the teacher was not arrested, but instead told to leave.
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Eyewitnesses tell NBC 7 after the students left the room, police searched it and the empty class across the hall.
Serra High Principal Michael Jiminez sent an email to parents. It read, in part:
An incident occurred on campus today that has resulted in a rumor that a teacher was arrested. I want to reassure you that no one was arrested.
The school is divulging very little information. Some parents are suspicious, wondering why “inappropriate remarks” would warrant a police escort.
Even students who didn’t have Rea as a teacher described him as friendly and outgoing. One teen said he is someone who’s been known to “speak his mind.”
Check back for updates on this developing story.
