Staff Members Got Lap Dances From High-School Students, Photos Show

A school in Kentucky has launched an investigation into an incident that saw students lap dance for staff members as part of homecoming week activities.

Images have appeared on social media showing Donald Mobelini, the principal of Hazard High School who is also mayor of Perry County city, and other staff members being given an intimate dance by male students dressed as scantily-clad women.

Other photos which were posted on the school's official athletic Facebook page also show other male students paddling each other, and females wearing "Hooters" costumes during the homecoming week festivities.

The photos were deleted from the school's official Facebook page, but have since been widely shared on social media.

In a statement, Sondra Combs, superintendent of Hazard Independent Schools, confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the "inappropriate student-led activities" and disciplinary action taken.

"As it is a personnel matter, we are not allowed to disclose any further information regarding the specifics of the discipline," Combs said.

"We strive to foster creativity in our students, but unfortunately, this time it was carried too far.

"Homecoming activities were planned as a celebration for students, staff, and the school community. All were intended to be fun and good-natured however, the activities did not play out as intended," Combs added.

"At the end of the day, the light-hearted activity simply got out of hand, and for that, we apologize. In the future, we will strive to keep the lighthearted, fun nature of school activities without the inappropriate behavior."

Nema Brewer, a co-founder of the public education group Ky. 120 United, was one of those who criticized the school staff for allowing the incident to occur.

"Public education is under so much fire right now. This kind of stuff is not helpful. In fact, it's disgusting. It appears they are sexualizing young adults," Brewer told the Lexington Herald-Leader.

The Kentucky Department of Education said they are also aware of the incident at Hazard High School.

The department tweeted that under state law, superintendents have a duty to report any instances of educator misconduct to the Education Professional Standards Board.

"If an investigation finds a certified educator likely violated the Kentucky Educator Code of Ethics, they are required to report this to EPSB," the tweet added. "If any citizen of the Commonwealth feels that that Kentucky's educator Code of Ethics was violated by a certified educator, they can also file a written complaint with the EPSB by email."

In 2008, Mobelini was twice investigated for alcohol incidents involving students, reported the Herald-Leader.

In the first instance, photos emerged online of him driving students around as they drank alcohol and smoked. Mobelini was also investigated after police caught students drinking on the school's football field moments after he was with them. He was cleared after stating that he was unaware the students had alcohol.

Mobelini has been contacted for comment.