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Pocono News Section
People in Berwick React to Teacher Arrest
People in Berwick React to Teacher Arrest - Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 7:50PM EST
Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Thursday, Sep 17, 2009 @ 07:50pm EDT
BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- Matt Travelpiece is a senior at the high school here. He didn't know his former band teacher was arrested until we told him.
"I was actually really surprised because when I knew him, I thought he was a really great person, and when you told me about this, it's like, woah," said Travelpiece.
He plays the trumpet for the high school band, but in middle school, Brian Fish was his teacher. Fish was arrested Wednesday accused of inappropriately touching a 14-year-old boy. Arrest papers show Fish denied intentionally touching the boy. He said it was an accident.
"I can assure people in the community that since the alleged act took place that Mr. Fish has not been at work," said Superintendent Wayne Brookhart. "I can't confirm or deny anything regarding the situation because it is a personnel action."
Brookhart is not allowed to say if Fish is on paid or unpaid leave. For now, a substitute teacher is in his place.
"He was a good teacher and it's ridiculous how people take advantage of things like that," said Angel Miranda of Berwick, whose younger brother was taught by Fish.
But Travelpiece isn't sure what to believe.
"With me knowing Mr. Fish, I would think it would be a lie, but you never know what could happen," said Travelpiece. "A lot of people have their background stories that nobody knows about."
Fish has been a teacher in the Berwick Area School District since 1994. He had 100 students under his direction this past year. He's behind bars in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Police are investigating whether or not there could be more victims. | | |
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