Roseville teacher faces sex charges

The Silverado Middle School in Roseville community is still reeling over news that a popular teacher was arrested on sex charges.

Eighth-grade teacher Kelly Christine Spaich was placed on indefinite paid leave Monday following allegations she engaged in an illegal sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy, said Mark Geyer, Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District superintendent.

Spaich, a 28-year-old Roseville resident, was arrested about 9 p.m. Friday, said Lt. Dave Allison of the Roseville Police Department. The alleged victim is a former Silverado student whose identity is not being disclosed because he is a minor.

Geyer noted counseling staff was being made available for students who wanted to talk about the allegations.

"As in any case where it involves an emotional matter, we have put our staff on notice," he said. "If students need to talk about the issue we can certainly do that."

Spaich, who most recently taught language arts and social studies, is a six-year veteran of the district who also served as a boys' volleyball coach and student government advisor, Geyer said. She was also a recipient of the 2002-03 Association of California School Administrators "Teachers who Make a Difference Award."

Geyer would not say whether the district had received previous complaints relating to Spaich, but noted all job applicants go through a high level of scrutiny before employment.

Members of Spaich's family declined an interview request, and a request to speak with Spaich's attorney was not answered by press time.

Geyer said a letter notifying parents and guardians of the arrest was sent home with students Monday - the first day back after spring break.

Most, however, already heard the allegations from weekend reports.

"I was so shocked," said Silverado parent Tina Izaguirre. "I try to keep them as safe as possible. Obviously, you know this kind of thing happens, but you think, 'Not here. Not in Roseville.'"