A possible case of “misconduct with a student” by a Vicksburg High School teacher has been investigated by administrators and a report has been turned over to police, but an official complaint by the parent of the student has not been made, school and police officials said.

Bethany Dykes, 24, a first-year social studies teacher and assistant softball coach, was placed on paid leave from the school last week and temporarily reassigned to the district office, said Dr. Elizabeth Swinford, superintendent for the Vicksburg Warren School District.

Swinford said she could not discuss the specifics of the “personnel matter.”

“People are innocent until proven guilty,” she said. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep her out (of school) if a complaint is not filed. I’m going to protect my kids but I am also going to protect my employees.”

“Right now we have no criminal investigation of Ms. Dykes,” said Vicksburg Police Capt. Bobby Stewart. “We have been notified by the school — the school’s law enforcement officer — of a complaint of the alleged incident, alleged,” he said.

Contacted this morning, Chief Walter Armstrong also said no criminal investigation is ongoing.

“In reading their report, it does not appear that there was any criminal act,” he said. “However, the family still has the option of filing a complaint.”

Dykes was placed on leave “Thursday or Friday” — March 19 or 20 — pending the outcome of the investigation, which resulted from rumors passed along to district officials, not a complaint or call from the parent, Swinford said.

She would not comment on the source of the rumors but said parents, students and “the grapevine” were involved.

“People who are concerned called and discussed it with us, and we take this very seriously and followed up,” Swinford said.

The misconduct “had nothing to do with a fight after a softball game” last week, Swinford said.

“We completed our part of the investigation and we turned it over to the authorities,” Swinford said, “but unless the parents also follow through, the investigation is at a standstill. We have done everything that we can do.”