Arrested Teacher Placed on Leave

UPDATE, 1:15 p.m.: SAU 57 Superintendent Michael Delahanty said Stephen Pierce has been an employee of the Salem School District for about eight years.

He added the allegations against Pierce "certainly came as a shock."

EARLIER STORY: Early Thursday morning, SAU 57 Superintendent Michael Delahanty said in a statement that Woodbury Middle School teacher Stephen Pierce was placed on administrative leave following .

Salem Police said following a brief investigation by Woodbury School Resource Officer Robert Genest they determined Pierce, 46, of Salem, stole and later pawned a school-owned camera. He was released on $2,500 personal recognizance bail after turning himself in Monday.

According to Delahanty, Pierce had submitted his resignation from the school in March and will not be returning in the fall.

Here is the full statement issued by Delahanty Thursday:

"As a result of an incident currently under investigation by the Salem Police Department, one of our teachers, Stephen Pierce, has been placed on administrative leave. Mr. Pierce, an eighth grade teacher at Woodbury Middle School, was arrested earlier this week on suspicion of theft. 

In April, a school owned camera was reported missing by one of our classroom teachers. The camera was used by the middle school yearbook group. A brief investigation by our School Resource Officer, Bob Genest,  resulted in Mr. Pierce’s arrest. Mr. Pierce will remain on administrative leave while police and school district officials conduct their investigations.  

In March, Mr. Pierce resigned his teaching position effective the end of the school year, and he won’t return in the fall.

A substitute teacher will be hired for the length of the administrative leave to ensure consistency for the students.  

Despite appearances, Mr. Pierce is a colleague and friend of many at the school, and he is well regarded by past and current students. This is a difficult time for everyone involved, and we appreciate any understanding that can be extended to the school community."

Comments on Patch's previous story on Pierce's arrest would indicate his support amongst community members and former students, with some calling him their "favorite teacher ever."