GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Gibson City Police say they’re investigating a Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school district teacher for sending inappropriate messages to students. As a result, that teacher has been placed on administrative leave.

A special meeting for the GCMS school district started at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The school board was in closed session for almost 3 hours talking about the future of their employees, and they finished shortly before 10 p.m.

District officials said they were discussing litigation and personnel matters in that meeting and on Thursday, they explained what’s happening next. In a resolution that was passed Thursday night, the school district voted to place teacher Robbie Dinkins on administrative leave pending the investigation.

The board said on March 24, a parent brought copies of text messages between their child and Dinkins to the middle school principal. The principal took those concerns to the superintendent where it was determined an immediate conversation with Dinkins was necessary.

Based on that meeting, they determined more information from their legal counsel was needed before putting him on administrative leave. The next day on March 25, they reported to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who did not open an investigation.

Five days later, another complaint was filed, and a police report was filed with complaints from two parents. Other parents with concerns were at Thursday night’s meeting and voiced them to the board.

“I’m asking the school board to take the following steps,” said Sara Powell, one of the concerned parents. “Issue a general statement to parents acknowledging the situation and reassuring us the appropriate action is being taken. Clearly outline the safety measures in place to prevent further incidents including not allowing staff to contact children via text or social media.”

On April 1 the superintendent again reported the information to DCFS, who again declined to open an investigation. They said Dinkins has not been arrested or charged with a crime and has cooperated fully with the district’s investigation.

His administrative leave will run until the investigation is complete.