New Hampshire News

Teacher resigns after student complaint of conduct

HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) — A veteran high school teacher in New Hampshire resigned and surrendered his teaching license after he was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student, a school district superintendent said.

Seascoastonline.com reports Superintendent Bill Lupini sent parents a message this week saying Peter Thomes, a former English teacher, had been put on administrative leave in August while the state Department of Education investigated a complaint. Thomes, who taught at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton, resigned in October.

Lupini said the complaint was brought forth by a former student, and that the alleged conduct took place “years ago.”

Lupini said Thomes “voluntarily surrendered” his educator credential. He had been working at the school since 1992, according to his LinkedIn account.

A message seeking comment was left at a possible phone number for Thomes.

“The voluntary surrender/revocation ‘was precipitated by allegations that Mr. Thomes had an inappropriate relationship with a student,’” Lupini wrote. He said the conduct alleged in the complaint violates the New Hampshire Code of Conduct for Educational Professionals.

Lupini wrote that the school and others in the district are safe places for students and staff, and that they take “any allegations of inappropriate conduct extremely seriously.”

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