Teacher Jolanda Gilbert resigns after inappropriate relationship with student

A Fulton County teacher with the Campbell Elementary School in Fairbu resigned from her job in lieu of termination last week after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a student from another school, according to a schools spokeswoman.

Jolanda Gilbert resigned from her job as a fifth-grade teacher after the school district received an anonymous tip and confronted Gilbert about the inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student at Southwest DeKalb High School.

According to a spokesperson for the DeKalb School District, Gilbert graduated from Southwest DeKalb in 2007 and was volunteering as a coach for the step team.

Students and parents were surprised to hear about the relationship. "That shouldn't happen in the school. That shouldn't happen at all," said student Leah Irish.

According to the district spokesperson, there is no indication any inappropriate activity took place on the school campus.

Parent Kimberly Irish said even though Gilbert didn't teach the student involved, the actions raise ethical questions.

"Her character, her morals, her values. That's just not good," Irish said.
 
It's unclear whether Gilbert will face criminal charges since the student was 17. Hale said the behavior was considered inappropriate by district standards.