Published: September 22, 2008 01:04 am      

TROOPERS: State police arrest Scott Ballard for allegedly having relationships with students.

For many Medina community members, the arrest of one favorite teacher came as a shock Friday afternoon.

Scott Ballard, who has been employed with the Medina Central School district for 11 years, was made aware of an ongoing investigation by the New York State Police and surrendered himself at roughly 3:30 p.m. Friday, following a request by the state police. Ballard was charged with official misconduct for allegedly initiating relationships with two of his former students.

Both girls were 17 years of age or older at the time of the alleged relationships, meeting the state requirement for legal age of consent. The two incidents occurred in 2004, and again in 2006. Ballard was arraigned in the Town of Shelby court before Town Justice Dawn Keppler, before being released on his own recognizance. Keppler opted to transfer the case to the Village of Medina court, where Ballard will appear for further proceedings at 9 a.m. on Sept. 29.

According to Michael Notto, state police investigator, state police have been looking into the case since mid-July.

“Back in 2004, there were rumors there was some type of relationship occurring (between Ballard) and the students, but the school was unable to substantiate any of the rumors,” Notto said. “The school felt at the time they only amounted to being rumors. Later on, when more rumors started in the community about the possibility of a second relationship, the school felt since two students were now involved it was something the police could look further into.”

Prior to his departure from the district, former Superintendent Richard M. Galante requested the police begin investigating the case. The case was originally brought before the Village of Medina police, but they requested the state pick it up due to some possible jurisdiction issues, Notto explained.

Currently, a temporary order of protection has been issued in regards to Ballard by the Town of Shelby court. The order states until the issue is totally resolved, Ballard is to stay off school property.

“Although the school had information (of the relationships) in 2004, it was only heresy, and had no substantial facts to base it on,” Notto said. “Toward the end of the 2008 academic year, the school starting gaining more information from former students coming forward. At that point, the school did initiate contact with the Medina police.”

According to the school code of conduct, any type of relationship between a teacher and student outside the classroom is considered inappropriate. Therefore, in both instances the conduct between Ballard and the two women was against district policy.

A life-long Medina native, Ballard himself is a graduate of not only the high school, but the marching band as well.

One former student, who wished to remain anonymous, said during her four years at the high school she never saw him act inappropriately with any of the students. Although she heard rumors of his relationships she never believed the source, adding he was one of the most respected teachers in the school.

“I never thought this would ever happen to him — he is a great person, and he would never do anything to disrespect the Medina band or school district in any way, shape or form,” the student said.

School officials, meanwhile, are directing all questions to the state police.

“Our focus has always been ensuring the students receive an education in a safe environment,” said Albie Suozzi, acting superintendent of Medina Central schools.