Lassiter counselor refuses to resign

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Cobb County high school counselor arrested for allegedly fondling a student has declined to resign.

Frank Robinson, 45, has been accused of touching the intimate parts of a 17-year-old female student, who was in his office at Lassiter High School. Robinson turned himself into police Saturday morning, and was released from jail later that day on $5,000 bond.

The incident allegedly took place on Dec. 8, according to Robinson's arrest warrant.

The student, who is a senior, did not consent to the touching, police said. She told her parents about the incident, and they reported it to school officials, who turned the matter over to Cobb County police.

Robinson was given the opportunity last week to resign his position in the school system, where he has worked for six years. But, he refused to resign and the school district is now beginning the process of termination, said Jay Dillon, school system spokesman.

Under state law, most employees in the school system are under contracts, which are renewed yearly, according to Glenn Brock, attorney for the Cobb County school system.

"You cannot terminate that contract without a due process hearing," Brock said.

The Cobb school board will make a ruling following a hearing for Robinson, Brock said. After the local board makes a ruling, Robinson has the option to appeal the ruling to the state board of education.

Robinson will remain on paid leave until the incident is settled.

Robinson did not respond to a phone message left at his home.