MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A staff member at Berkeley Heights Elementary has been arrested following an allegation that prompted mandatory reporting.
On November 23rd, Berkeley County Schools released the statement from Principal Melissa Golliday which did not identify the staff member or give details about the allegation.
“Today, I learned of the arrest of the staff member that was the result of the mandated report and investigation. While I cannot provide additional comments because this is both a personnel and ongoing legal matter, please know the safety of our students, staff and families will continue to be my priority,” Golliday said in the statement.
The Panhandle News Network has reached out to the Berkeley County Prosecutor’s Office for clarification regarding the investigation and any pending charges.
As a result of the allegations, Berkeley County Schools placed the employee on administrative leave and were “working in conjunction with local law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.”
Principal Melissa Golliday released a statement that read, “while I cannot provide additional comments because this is both a personnel and ongoing legal matter,” she added, “please know the safety of our students, staff and families will continue to be my priority.”
The statement from Golliday read in part, “In my role as principal, I have a responsibility to our students, families and staff for their safety and well-being. There was an allegation made involving a staff member that put mandatory reporting into action. As a result of this allegation, Berkeley County Schools placed the employee on administrative leave and worked in conjunction with local law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation was conducted.
Principal Golliday went on to say she could not provide additional comments “because this is both a personnel and ongoing legal matter, please know the safety of our students, staff and families will continue to be my priority.”
She said she has “spoken directly with the family involved. I would encourage you to speak directly with me when you have a concern.”