Arkport school dumps teacher following arrest

The Arkport Board of Education Wednesday night voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Thomas Wight. Superintendent Jesse Harper said Wight had been a long term substitute teacher with English classes in grades 7-12. The 26-year old from Cuba was arrested by State Police Tuesday and charged with forcible touching and child endangerment. Investigators allege that Wight sexually abused a teenage boy who was a former student. Harper noted that the alleged incident did not occur on school property. Wight also taught at Dansville, Fillmore and Cuba-Rushford. Police say they believe there are more victims. The district is now required to notify the State Education Department which will ultimately decide if Wight keeps his teaching license.