Cherokee County

Former choir, orchestra teacher accused of sexual battery against student

Ryan Parker McKendrick Photo: Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

A former Woodstock High School chorus teacher is facing charges of sexually assaulting a student.

Ryan Parker McKendrick, 36, was arrested Saturday on charges of sexual battery against a child under the age of 16, sexual assault by a teacher and tampering with evidence, as well as four counts related to distributing or promoting obscene materials of minors.

McKendrick left his post as director of the Woodstock High chorus and orchestra earlier this month, according to his LinkedIn page. He had been employed with the Cherokee County School District since 2007.

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He is the third metro Atlanta teacher to be accused of sexual misconduct involving a child in the last month. Two teachers, one employed with DeKalb County schools and the other a music instructor who gave lessons out of his home, were found dead after the allegations were brought to light. Authorities said both men appear to have killed themselves.

The Cherokee County School District sent this statement:

"The Cherokee County School District takes the safety and security of our students very seriously.  After conducting an immediate investigation into allegations of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct, our CCSD School Police Department filed charges against the former teacher.  We want all students, parents and staff to know that inappropriate behavior by staff toward students will not be tolerated.  We appreciate those who reported these allegations; our SafeSchools Alert system is an easy way for anyone to report such behavior or any other safety concerns to our School Police and administrators for investigation.”  

McKendrick was arrested by Roswell police and was briefly held in the county jail before he posted a $34,306 bond, a Cherokee sheriff’s spokesman said. The warrant was obtained by school district police.