Albert Gallatin fires suspended teacher
The Albert Gallatin Area School Board officially terminated a suspended teacher accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student during Wednesday’s meeting. Donald J. Rosie, 56, of South Union Township, pleaded guilty last November to a misdemeanor charge of corruption of minors for having sex with the student.
He was sentenced earlier this month before Fayette County Judge Steve P. Leskinen to 71/2 months of house arrest, followed by 16 months probation.
The school board unanimously voted Wednesday to terminate Rosie. School board member Janet Swaney made the motion, which was seconded by board member Ken Plisko.
According to state police, Rosie had sex with the teen in his car at his home on Clinton Road after teaching her in sixth grade and starting up a friendship with her in November 2005.
The girl told police last June that their sexual relationship started in March.
The parents of the teen sued the school district in October, claiming officials turned a blind eye to Rosie’s behavior, claiming he made inappropriate comments to at least seven other female students since his 1972 hiring.
In an amended complaint, attorney Thomas W. Shaffer indicated Rosie had inappropriate contact with several softball players in the spring of 2005 before Rosie resigned as the team’s coach.
The girl and her family have not been identified because the Herald-Standard does not identify victims of sexual assault.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, school district Superintendent Walter Vicinelly declined comment, referring the matter to the district’s solicitor, Anthony Sanchez of Andrews & Price Law Firm.
Sanchez said he believed the school board’s action to terminate Rosie can stand on its own merit.
“Their action says it all,” he said.
Rosie had filed a grievance against the school district claiming he was terminated without just cause. He since withdrew the grievance, allowing the school board to take action Wednesday to officially terminate him.