Principal Addresses Alleged Teacher Sex Assault

The principal of the Nazareth Area Middle School has sent out a letter to parents in the wake of charges against the drama teacher for alleged repeated sexual assaults of a student over more than two years.

Principal Robert L. Kern Jr. sent a letter out earlier this week to parents and guardians explaining that as "some of you are aware, the administration is dealing with a sensitive personnel situation here at our Nazareth Area Middle School."

On Friday, Shawn William Salevsky, 39, of Lower Macungie Township, was sent to Northampton County Prison after being formally charged before District Judge John Capobianco of Nazareth.

Salevsky was fired by the school district April 22. The incidents occurred between January 2011 and March 15 of this year, according to court records.

Kern's letter states that he wanted to "reiterate that the safety and security of our students has been, and will continue to be, my No. 1 priority as principal."

"All decisions that have been made at the building level regarding this situation have been based on that premise," Kern says in the letter.

Kern does not specify Salvesky by name nor mentions the alleged sexual assaults. He said it is not permissible to discuss the details or specifics of the situation for legal reasons.

Kern says that he understands that parents and children may have questions about "the events that have taken place." He states that people need to respect the legal process and legal rights of the individuals involved.

Kern reminds parents that any child who is experiencing difficulty due to the sensitivity of the situation or the emotions arising from it should seek the help of school counselors.

"This is an unpleasant and challenging situation for all of us in the Nazareth Area School District," Kern concludes. "Please know that regardless of what is happening, our primary goal is to assist your child through this period and to continue to offer an educational environment that is safe and secure for our students."