A teacher at Bainbridge High School has been placed on administrative leave and is being investigated for “inappropriate conduct” with a student, officials at BHS announced late Wednesday.

BHS Principal Mary Alice O’Neill sent a letter to parents at 7 p.m. Wednesday and said the allegations have been turned over to police.

The school did not identify the teacher or provide any details about the gender of the student or the student’s age.

Officials said school administrators found out about the allegations late in the afternoon on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

O’Neill, in her letter to parents, said the school district would also hire an independent investigator to look into the claims.

“While we are not authorized to provide specifics identifying either the student or the teacher, we can assure you that school and district administrators will fully cooperate with authorities on any investigation,” O’Neill wrote.

“The Bainbridge Island School District is taking the allegations very seriously,” O’Neill added. “Because the incident involves members of our school community, any investigation may draw attention to our school. Situations of this nature can be upsetting to students and staff who hear about this at school, from friends or media.

“In the weeks ahead, our staff will pay additional attention to students for any signs of distress. Counselors will also be available to speak with students and listen to their feelings and their concerns,” she added.

District officials were not immediately available for comment late Wednesday.