A teacher who inappropriately texted a middle school student has been punished, but will be back in the classroom when students return next week.
Teacher Chad Bell exchanged text messages with a female student, telling her, "We need to get a picture."
Bell, 29, was put on leave while the school district investigated.
"We conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations," said Greg Viebranz, of Westerville City Schools. "This wasn't just a district investigation, this involved law enforcement."
Westerville City School District officials said that there was no criminal intent behind the texting, but the teacher's explanation for his actions is concerning to some parents.
"Mr. Bell was attempting to make a student jealous," Viebranz said. "He was attempting to do so by acquiring a photo of this other student."
Bell will be back in the classroom, reassigned from Genoa to Blendon Middle School.
Along with a 10 day unpaid suspension, Bell is working under what the district called a strict "last chance agreement." Any future questionable conduct could be grounds for immediate termination.
Bell was not available for comment.
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