Gwinnett teacher quits amid 'inappropriate' student relationship claim

Oji Perkins, a Lanier High School teacher and girls' basketball coach, has resigned. He cited "personal reasons" in his resignation four days into the school year. School officials are investigating whether Perkins had an "inappropriate relationship" with a student. One official said the district is "not aware" of criminal charges against Perkins at this time.

A Lanier High School teacher has resigned after Gwinnett County Public Schools began investigating allegations he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a student.

Oji Perkins, a varsity girls’ basketball coach who also taught special education and math, resigned citing “personal reasons” on Friday, only four days after the new school year started, school officials said.

A criminal investigation is being conducted by Gwinnett County School Police, said Bernard Watson, a district spokesman.

Gwinnett County Public Schools will make a report to the Professional Standards Commission about the investigation into Perkins, Watson said. The PSC is the organization that certifies teachers in Georgia.

The county school district provided no details about the alleged relationship.

Perkins has been a certified teacher in Georgia since 2007 according to information from the PSC. His teaching certification was renewed in July.

Earlier this year, four other teachers at Gwinnett County schools were accused of sexually assaulting students.

The cases against those instructors — three public school teachers and one private school teacher — include allegations of molestation, groping, rape and a two-and-a-half year sexual relationship, all involving students.

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