New Hanover County Schools Great Experts Fey sh Fey Chi DA. TAINARKLEY (FRE OFTHE SUPERNTENDENT ‘Superior! February 8, 2018 ‘Susan Ruiz, Director of Licensure North Caroline DPI Licensure Section (6365 Mall Service Center Raleigh, NC. 27690-6385 RE: Michael Kelly Dear Ms, Ruiz: | am writing to report information regarding the alleged conduct of one of our former classroom teachars, Michael Kelly. Wa arm asking that your offic investigate these allegations and, determine whether action should be taken against Mr. Kelly's teaching license. ‘This matter came to our attention on the evening of February 6%, 2018 when we were informed that Mr. Kelly had been arrested by the New Hanover County Sherif's Department after 2 joint investigation wth the FEI Mr. Kely was charged wih felony counts of indecent iberties with a student and sexual exploitation ofa minor. According to a media report, one ofthese charges is based on an allegation that Mr. Kelly was in possession of a nude photograph of a 15-year old student, and Mr. Kelly had sexual contact with the student. Mr. Kelly is current suspended without pay and incarcerated in the New Hanover County jail under a $1 milion dollar bail bond ‘On February 7%, 2018, NHCS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Rick Holiday and | visited Mr. Kely in jll as part of my personnel investigation into his alleged conduct. Mr. Kelly stated to ts that the charge against him regarding the photograph was true and that he had engaged in sexual contact with a student. | concluded that Mr. Kely was subject to dismissal and handed him the attached leterto suspend him without pay and begin the cismissal process. Our school system Is fully cooperating with law enforcement inthis matter. wwmdHCs.et + 6810 Cen Beach Rand + Whningon, NC 20412» BIO2SH4210 + FaxoI02544228 + tmsmaniymanetPage 2 |Lam enclosing other relevant documents. We do not have all the information that law ‘enforcement has gathered. During a hearing in court on February 7®, 2018, an Assistant District ‘Attorney old the cour that there are expected to be addtional criminal charges against Mr. Kelly “involving up to five minors. Please let me know if you need any addtional information. I would appreciate it if you would keep us informed as to whether any action will be taken against Mr Kelly's teaching license, ‘As adaitional information becomes available about this situation, we will update you r. Tim Markley Superintendent TMK ce: Dr. John Welmers, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Wayne Bullard, General Counsel Enclosures weno «680 cuca enc Rot + Winn NCH HOSEL: FanOIORELZR meron