PICKENS COUNTY— School District of Pickens County Superintendent Dr. Kelly Pew sent a letter aimed to address parents after three School District employees found their way into handcuffs last week.

Easley High teacher John Kilgallen was arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, joining Gettys Middle School teacher Kimberly Anthony and District Office employee Daniel Fahey, who were arrested on drug charges last week.

Pew says the district is taking the matters seriously.

“Over the past week, three School District of Pickens County employees have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses,” said Pew. “The District considers these matters to be extremely serious and will respond as required under South Carolina law.”

Pew says, after talks with the Easley Police Department, there is no reason to believe that the district employees, who were arrested under drug charges, involved students in the matter.

“Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of the children in this District,” said Pew. “In that regard, based on the information we have received from the Easley Police Department, I want to assure you that the incident that occurred this past Friday did not occur on school grounds and did not involve students.”

Pew says all employees are required to submit to a drug test.

“Prior to employment in the district, all employees are required to submit to a SLED criminal background check and a Chapman criminal background check if coming to us from out-of-state,” said Pew. “In addition, the district conducts a thorough reference check prior to employing any applicant.”

The Superintendent says the school board discussed the policy Wednesday night.

“This past Wednesday night, our School Board’s Policy Committee review the district’s student and employee drug policy and recommend that the district conduct random drug checks on all district employees to the extent that such checks are allowed by law,” said Pew. “The recommendation is currently under review by the districts’ legal counsel, and the full Board will receive information regarding that recommendation within the next few days.”

“While I firmly believe that the majority of our employees provide a quality education for students and also serve as positive role models, unfortunately, there are some employees who make bad choices in their personal lives,” said Pew. “Whenever such choices are brought to the district’s attention, we will investigate the situation and take appropriate employment action.”

“I want to ensure you that we take these situations seriously and that, as superintendent, I will work with the administration and the board to make every effort to see that our students are safe at school,” she said.