Editor's Note: On June 21, The El Cajon Police Department concluded their investigation and determined there was not enough evidence to file criminal charges against Melissa Drake. Read the update here.
An El Cajon Valley High School teacher is on paid administrative leave while the district investigates accusations of employee misconduct.
The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) said in a release Wednesday that teacher Melissa Drake was placed on leave on May 16 when the district first heard of the allegations against her.
The GUHSD said it immediately contacted law enforcement upon learning of the allegations and said it is cooperating in the investigation.
“Anytime allegations of employee misconduct are brought forward the District takes such allegations very seriously. A prompt and thorough investigation follows and often the employee is placed on paid administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation,” the release said.
The district did not provide any detail about the nature of the alleged misconduct.
In 2016 Drake was awarded the Golden Apple Award, which recognizes outstanding teachers selected by the El Cajon Valley High School student body.
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"She’s very nice, helps us out with anything we need. I never expected this from her,” said Alex Lopez, one of Drake's students.
Lopez and other students, former and current, never expected the English teacher to be under investigation for misconduct.
“It’s not only yourself, you're making the school look bad," said former student Frederick Henderson.
The Grossmont Union High School District did not detail the misconduct. Officials released a statement after-hours, two weeks after they say she was put on paid administrative leave and they notified police.
“My concern is if they aren't punished, then other teachers may think it's okay to do it," parent Sara Valdez said.
El Cajon Valley High's principal referred questions about Drake's tenure to the district.
NBC 7 learned that in addition to her English teacher duties, Drake is also an advisor for the Associated Student Body clubs and activities.
The district said if any misconduct is found it will take appropriate action, which could include dismissal.
On May 3, NBC 7 reported on another teacher within the Grossmont Union High School District that was accused of inappropriate conduct with a student.
Granite Hills High School teacher Ral Christman resigned amid allegations of sexting with an underage student.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation.
On April 20, Christman was placed on administrative leave. Ten days later he resigned.
No criminal charges have been filed in that case.
