BLAND — When asked on Tuesday about a teacher being removed from the Bland Middle School Maries County R-2 Superintendent Dr. Lenice Basham said the situation is under investigation.

“The district is aware of misconduct allegations regarding a member of its staff,” Basham began. “While we cannot release specific information regarding personnel of the district, it has begun an investigation of those allegations and will respond in accordance with the board of education’s policy.”

Basham said no special meetings are scheduled to discuss the issue and students are safe.

According to the parents of two middle school students, the Feb. 3 incident was in response to bullying.

According to Gasconade County Sheriff Scott Eiler his department is heading the investigation.

“We have an open case for an incident in Bland,” he said. “We won’t say nothin’ else until we wrap up our investigation.”

Eiler said the investigation could be quick or last weeks. He will send out a press release when the investigation is completed.

Rumors that the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) was involved is untrue according to Master Sgt. Sean Griggs.

“None of our departments are involved,” he confirmed on Tuesday night. “Typically we would become involved at the school by local request.”

Eiler said his personnel were not present when the teacher was escorted from the building.