Guidance counselor placed on leave

 

South Harrison officials reported Wednesday morning that a high school staff member has been placed on paid administrative leave as a result of allegations involving sexual misconduct. On Jan. 23, Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney Johnathan L. Meyer charged Michael S. Cothern, 59, of Martinsville, Mo., with two counts of sexual misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor. Cothern had been serving as the high school guidance counselor and had been an assistant on the girls’ basketball team.

 

South Harrison issued this statement regarding the personnel matter just after 7 a.m. on Wednesday:

“It has come to our attention that an accusation of alleged sexual misconduct has been made against a staff member at South Harrison High School. The individual making the accusations is not a student or patron in the district, however, we have taken these accusations seriously and have been in contact with all appropriate agencies. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they investigate this matter. The staff member has been removed from the school pending the results of the investigation. In the South Harrison R-II School District, protecting the welfare of all students and providing a safe, secure learning environment is our first priority.”