Taber teacher removed from classroom after accusations of inappropriate behaviour

A Taber teacher has been removed from any student involvement following an online petition citing allegations of inappropriate behaviour with underage students.

A student from the town'sW.R. MyersHigh School is championingthe petition, whichcalls for the teacher to be fired foralleged wrongdoing.

More than 580 people, including former and current students and family members, have signed the petition since it was launched two days ago.

In a statement from the Horizon School Division, which is in charge of W.R. Myers, the school board said itcannot address specifics of the situation, but it is aware of the petition and the allegations are being investigated.

"The instant we receive information that causes us concern for the safety of our students, we move immediately to review the circumstances and take steps to safeguard the safety of the students in our care," saidWilco Tymensen, superintendent of the Horizon School Division.

"I can share that the individual is not in direct contact with students, pending the outcome of our complete review."

None of the allegations made against the teacher have been proven in court.

Tymensen said the school division'sactions are guided by itscommitment to student safety, itsresponsibility under the Education Act, respect for the legal process and the privacy of all individuals.