WEST UNION, W.Va. — A Doddridge County Schools employee is facing charges of sexual abuse of a student.
Steven Burnside, 34, of Salem, is accused of inappropriately touching a 15-year-old girl sexually in November and has been charged with third-degree sexual abuse.
“To address specific personnel matters would violate the due process rights afforded to employees who may or may not be subject to adverse employment action,” Doddridge County Superintendent Adam Cheeseman said in a statement. “I can assure you that any decisions made, and recommendations taken to the Doddridge County Board of Education, on all personnel matters are absolutely and always in the best interest of our students.
“I can say that as the Superintendent, I expect all of our employees to exhibit professional behavior, maintain a safe and healthy educational environment, and demonstrate responsible citizenship at all times,” he added. “Anything less is not acceptable and will be dealt with pursuant to the personnel lawns that govern public education.”