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.
Local News
September 22, 2008
TROOPERS: State police arrest Scott Ballard for allegedly having relationships with students.
- Local News
-
-
Market on Main will offer fresh produce, baked goods
Medina’s Main Street has more than its fair share of spots to pick up prepared food, but starting this summer there will be a place to buy artisanal bread and locally-grown produce.Dave and Bonnie Reigle have operated a produce stand on their Ridge Road farm for 17 years. They plan to open Reigle’s Market on Main in the former Whole Nine Yards and be open year-round as a bakery and produce store.
-
Lyndonville BoE approves budget propositions
The Lyndonville Board of Education approved the four propositions district residents will vote on May 15, including the school’s $12,964,687 budget.The 2012-13 budget decreases spending by 1.28 percent, but the property tax levy will rise by 1.95 percent to $4,620,374. The estimated property tax rate is $18.40, an increase of 1.38 percent and a bump of a quarter for every $1,000 of assessed property value.
-
Medina BoE OK's budgets for May 15 vote
Medina Central School District residents will have the option this May to vote for a budget that does not raise the property tax levy next year, but does increase the district’s budget by 1.74 percent.
-
Ridgeway sets public hearings
The Ridgeway Town Board will hold two public hearings at its next meeting on May 21.
-
Hoag will host STEM summer camp
The Hoag Library in Albion isn’t set to open until the weekend after Independence Day, but preparations are well underway for a two-week summer camp for a select group of Albion students.
-
Growing like a weed
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Home and Garden Show had a new home this year, and a record crowd came out to Knowlesville for helpful advice, information about local businesses and organizations, and a wide range of activities, promotions and giveaways.
-
Village budget talks continue
Medina’s 2012-13 budget is coming together at a series of meetings between department heads and village board members that largely focus on projected spending plans and areas where cuts can be made and additional revenue can be found.The board met Monday with Police Chief Jose Avila, who said his department budget will be less than the current year despite increasing salaries and associated benefits.
-
Hoag Library era nears in Albion
The transition of Albion's long-time library to a modern South Main Street facility is quickly approaching, which had the Swan Library Board of Trustees discussing the closing of the current library in early June, a month of movement and plans to resume service at the new Hoag Library on the day after the facility's July 7 grand opening at their Wednesday meeting.
-
Pillars hosting Titanic evening
The extravagant experience that the high-class passengers enjoyed on the first and final voyage of the RMS Titanic will be replicated in a dinner at The Pillars Estate’s new ballroom this weekend.The Pillars echoes the luxury liner’s grand staircase and chandelier, with historic touches throughout the restored County House Road mansion’s ballroom.
-
Shelby formalizes reserve funds
The Town of Shelby has had a highway equipment reserve fund for as long as Supervisor Skip Draper can remember, but to be safe the town board formally created the fund and other others Tuesday.Draper said the origins of the town’s long-standing funds, used to prepare for large expenses and avoid a yo-yo-ing budget, were questioned in an audit of the town’s finances.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Market on Main will offer fresh produce, baked goods
Serial Stabbings Suspect Guilty of Murder
Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision
Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall
Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge
NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible'
Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate
4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium
