Teacher accused of improper conduct

MORRISTOWN — A Morristown Central teacher who allegedly became too friendly with an underage student was jailed Tuesday night after being charged by St. Lawrence County sheriff's investigators with misdemeanor child endangerment.

Daniel G. Frick, 38, of 8055 Route 11, Potsdam, is to be suspended with pay while the case is pending, said Beverly L. Ouderkirk, superintendent at Morristown Central.

Mr. Frick was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, deputies said. He was arraigned in Town Court and was ordered held in St. Lawrence County jail, Canton, in lieu of $5,000 bail or a $10,000 bond pending further court action.

There are no allegations of sexual contact between Mr. Frick and the 16-year-old student, both Sheriff Kevin M. Wells and Ms. Ouderkirk said. And, while the allegations remain under investigation, there are no complaints involving other students and further charges are not expected, the sheriff said.

A music teacher at Morristown Central for the past two years, Mr. Frick was responsible for running the school's summer band program, investigators said. He is charged with developing an inappropriate relationship with a student. Her name was not released by investigators because of her age. A graduate of SUNY Potsdam, he previously taught at Salmon River Central School, Fort Covington.

"This is action that occurred while she was under the age of 17," Mr. Wells said. The allegedly inappropriate actions ranged up to holding hands and kissing the student at the school, he said. The actions, which took place between July and October, are alleged to have endangered the girl's mental and moral welfare.

"Morristown administrators have been cooperating with the investigation," Mr. Wells said.

"I will be sending him a letter today informing him he is being placed on administrative leave with pay," Ms. Ouderkirk said. The state Education Department also has been notified of the allegations.

The allegations against Mr. Frick came to a head Tuesday, Ms. Ouderkirk said.

"A report surfaced and we acted upon it," she said.