READ: Springboro Schools sends letter to parents after former PE teacher indicted for sex crimes

SPRINGBORO — Springboro Community City School District sent home a letter to parents and guardians addressing a former physical education teacher who was indicted on sex charges involving students.

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John Austin Hopkins is facing 36 counts of gross sexual imposition.

Following the Warren County Prosecutor's Office announcement of the indictment Monday, the district sent home the following letter:

Dear Parent/Guardian,
On the morning of June 17th, 2019 the Warren County Prosecutor's Office issued a statement about a thirty-six (36) count indictment that was filed against John Austin Hopkins for gross sexual imposition involving first grade students at Clearcreek Elementary.

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Sex charges filed against former Springboro teacher Sex charges filed against former Springboro teacher

On Friday, March 8th, 2019, within minutes of learning of the potential conduct of Mr. Hopkins, Springboro Schools immediately placed John Austin Hopkins on Paid Administrative Leave. On March 12th, 2019, Mr. Hopkins submitted a letter of resignation, which was approved by the district’s Board of Education at a special board meeting held March 13th, 2019. Mr. Hopkins is no longer an employee of Springboro Schools.

Shortly after Mr. Hopkins resigned, Springboro Schools submitted an Educator Misconduct Reporting Form to the Ohio Department of Education’s (ODE) Office of Professional Misconduct, regarding the Ohio Revised Code 3319.31, which states, “The employee resigned because of, or in the course of, an investigation regarding an act unbecoming the teaching profession.” The purpose of this submission by Springboro Schools is for ODE to consider revocation of Mr. Hopkins’ teaching license.

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A series of seven (7) letters and several voice calls have been distributed to the parents of Springboro Schools throughout the course of the entire investigation process. Springboro Schools takes the allegations against Mr. Hopkins very seriously, and will continue working with the Springboro Police Department and the Warren County Prosecutor's Office throughout this process.
For many families in our district, these are difficult times. Communication outreach and support is important. The dialogue between our district parents and administration is paramount, as is the safety of every student in our district. The Child Advocacy Center of Warren County (CAC) is offering a support/educational group for parents. This support group is located at the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County (320 E Silver St, Lebanon, OH 45036) and can be contacted at the following number, 513-695-3100.

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Please understand, the safety of our students is the district’s top priority. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please direct your contact to the appropriate personnel listed below. Thank you.

Dan Schroer, Superintendent at Springboro Schools 937-748-3960

Carrie Corder, Principal at Clearcreek Elementary

Jessica Jones, Assistant Principal at Clearcreek Elementary 937-748-3958

The Child Advocacy Center of Warren County 320 E Silver St, Lebanon, OH 45036
513-695-3100

Wendy Ford, District Mental Health Coordinator 937-748-3950 (ext. 4405)

Scott Marshall, Communications Coordinator at Springboro Schools 513-312-6557