East Lyme music teacher resigns amid sexual assault charges

East Lyme music teacher and band adviser Amy L. Schneider, accused of having an illegal sexual relationship with a student, has resigned.

Schools Superintendent James D. Lombardo sent a letter to parents in the district Friday to inform them of the school's response to the incident.

Schneider, 25, was arraigned Thursday in New London Superior Court on three charges of second-degree sexual assault. Details of the case remain under seal at least through her next court appearance on April 18, but the superintendent's letter said that he wanted to make the parents aware of "a few facts."

Schneider, who was a part-time music teacher at East Lyme Middle School and a high school band adviser, resigned from the school district effective April 6, according to the letter.

The letter says also that the district placed Schneider on administrative leave within a few hours of learning of the allegations last month and contacted police and the state Department of Children and Families. School district staff worked closely with authorities during the investigation that led to Schneider's arrest.

"Our information indicates that these allegations involve a single victim off school grounds," the letter says. "We have no indication that any other students were ever at risk."

Lombardo advised parents that he expects "information of a sensitive nature" to be released once the arrest warrant affidavit that details the investigation is unsealed.

"Your child may hear of these details through news reports or from other students," he wrote. "As a result, I encourage parents to discuss such information with their children in a manner that is appropriate for the age and maturity of the individual child. The best way to respond is often to listen to children's concerns and to assure them of their safety."

Lombardo said the school district does not intend to engage students in discussion about the case, but school counselors and psychologists are available to meet with students who have concerns.

k.florin@theday.com