Imagine the surprise at a School Board meeting, when Superintendent of Education Dr. Samantha Ingram confirmed that there is a letter on file in the District Office concerning an alleged inappropriate relationship between a Board member and a District employee.

Board Chairman Harold Heath questioned Ingram about whether such a letter existed, saying that he had been called by constituents and a fellow

Board member.

The Herald Independent commends Heath for having the courage to bring the alleged incident somewhat into the light of day.

We do not know if such a relationship occurred and we do not know who the participants might have been, if it occurred.

Nevertheless we are greatly disturbed. Far too many times in the past, indiscretions have been buried. This has led to a do - your - own - thing” philosophy in our County. Such a way of thinking can only lead to multiplication of difficulties and as problems multiply Fairfield County gets yet another black eye in the eyes of other counties and the state as a whole.

If there is a School Board member who has had an inappropriate relationship with a current or former District employee, The Herald Independent urges him or her to step down from the Board immediately.

Without a doubt, there has been some positive changes in the District in recent months. If the District is to continue to grow in the direction in which we would like to see it move, we cannot condone the actions which seem to have happened.

Some behavior is simply not acceptable.