Parkway South Teacher Accused Of Raping Student

BALLWIN, MO — Ronald Lorenzo Smith Jr., a 42-year-old industrial technology teacher at Parkway South Middle School who also coached sports at Parkway South High School, has been charged with statutory rape, statutory sodomy and sexual contact with a student by a teacher. Prosecutors say the incidents occurred between August 2015 and November 2017. Smith was removed from a class Monday after a student reported the allegations to a school counselor. The school placed him on administrative leave and contacted St. Louis County Police.

Smith is being held on $150,000 cash-only bond.

Smith started teaching as a substitute at Parkway South High School in 2005 before becoming a full-time teacher at Parkway South Middle School in 2008. Smith also coached high school football and girls' basketball from 2005 onward.

A letter from Parkway South Middle School principal Amy Branson to parents Tuesday said a criminal background check did not raise any concerns about Smith:

As with all new employees, a criminal background check was completed revealing no similar instances or allegations of misconduct. Additionally, the Parkway Board of Education has strict policies requiring employees to maintain appropriate professional relationships with students. The District also conducts annual training with all employees regarding appropriate boundaries between employees and students. We expect that all of our employees comply with these guidelines.

I understand the concern you may have about this situation. We are committed to protecting the privacy of the student involved. Therefore, we cannot discuss additional details, but what we can tell you is every employee is held to extremely high standards and we value the trust you place in us every day to keep your children safe.

Thank you for your understanding and confidence. We will have counselors available for any student who might need them. We will continue to do whatever we can to protect the welfare of your children and provide them with a safe learning environment. I hope you will contact me with any questions or concerns.

So far, police have identified only one victim. Anyone else who wants to come forward should contact investigators at 314-615-8693.

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