GRAND LEDGE, Mich. — Grand Ledge High School teacher Jeffrey Belding was arrested for domestic violence and home invasion on June 9, according to Eaton County District Court records.
Belding, an AP English teacher who has been with the school for more than 20 years, was still listed as an employee on the school district's website Wednesday.
The district is aware of the arrest, according to communications director John Ellsworth. He said he won't comment on "personnel matters" and that everyone is entitled to due process.
Teachers are on summer recess right now. Ellsworth did not say if Belding was put on leave.
There are no records of previous arrests for Belding and Ellsworth says he has had no disciplinary incidents or issues in the past.
Ellsworth says the district is watching the matter closely and keeping the best interests of students in mind.
His neighbors were surprised to hear of the arrest and think he probably shouldn't return to teaching at the school.
"I don't think so, because they've been really strict on that and I know that everyone loves him, but I don't think he should. No, not if that's happened," a former student at the high school said.
"I don't think he should continue to be a teacher, because I think he has a temper and domestic violence is terrible," another neighbor said.
A reporter asked Belding Wednesday afternoon if he had anything to say about the arrest, but he had no comment.
Belding is expected in court on July 17 at 8:30 a.m.
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