Ex-RHS teacher sentenced for kissing student

Scott Copperman gets five years probation.

By: Purvi Desai
   WASHINGTON — A former Robbinsville High School math teacher and track coach, who admitted to kissing a student and exchanging romantic e-mails with her, was sentenced Friday to five years probation.
   Scott Copperman pleaded guilty to third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, said Karl Goldenbaum, team leader for Judge Thomas Kelly, who presided over the case in state Superior Court in Trenton.
   Casey DeBlasio, spokeswoman for the Mercer County prosecutor’s office, said Mr. Copperman also had to surrender his New Jersey teaching license and agree not to teach and coach anyone under the age of 18.
   Mr. Copperman, 35, of Haines Drive, was arrested Oct. 14, 2005, after Washington Township School District officials learned of possible inappropriate contact between the teacher and a female student. His computer was seized by police for investigation following his arrest.
   His job was terminated two weeks after the arrest.
   Ms. DeBlasio said Mr. Copperman admitted to kissing the student on one occasion.
   "At the time he pled guilty, he admitted to kissing the student and admitted to exchanging romantic e-mails," she said.
   There were other conditions attached to Mr. Copperman’s sentencing, Mr. Goldenbaum said.
   "He cannot have contact with the victim," Mr. Goldenbaum said, adding that Mr. Copperman also cannot have unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18, and must undergo psychological evaluation and be counseled.
   Ms. DeBlasio said the counseling would be ongoing throughout the probation.
   Superintendent Jack Szabo said that counsel has advised school officials to refrain from commenting on the case and that all questions are being referred to Matthew Giacobbe, lawyer for the school board.
   Mr. Giacobbe could not be reached for comment as of press time.
   Mr. Copperman declined to comment when contacted Monday.
   Mr. Copperman taught algebra, honors geometry and honors algebra and served as a coach for the cross country and girls track and field teams.
   The Washington Township school board hired Mr. Copperman in 2004 at a salary of $53,396, plus an additional $9,600 for coaching.
   He previously worked at West Milford High School in Passaic County, and moved to Robbinsville in July 2004.