Teacher let go at Oak Park High

A teacher at Oak Park High School has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Oak Park Unified School District over alleged sexual misconduct

Brandon Young, the high school's music teacher, was dismissed after he was caught having a sexual relationship with a female senior band student, several sources told The Acorn.

OPUSD officials did not comment on the personnel matter.

"In order to dispel rumors and any false allegations, we must first do a thorough investigation ourselves and make sure that we have the proper facts," said Cliff Moore, the district's assistant superintendent of personnel.

Young has been absent from work for over two weeks.

This was Young's first year as a teacher at Oak Park High School. He previously taught music at Agoura High School.

Young's contract was not renewed after his first year at Agoura. Officials said the move was necessary to make way for further growth in the music program and accommodate a marching band.

Agoura boosters circulated a petition on Young's behalf, but the move failed to sway the Las Virgenes school board, which approved Young's dismissal in March 2003.

The Oak Park school district conducts a background check on each employee, a requirement under state law.

"A background check has been done for all teachers, coaches and classified people working in our district," Moore said.

The investigation into the allegations against Young is in the preliminary stages, Moore said.

Young was dismissed with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.