Students say Plantation teacher accused of inappropriate relationship ‘kind of weird’

A Plantation teacher accused of carrying on a romantic relationship with a student faced a judge Friday as other students shared their concerns about his alleged behavior.

Christopher George Santanelli, a teacher at South Plantation High School, was arrested Thursday on a charge of authority figure engaged in romantic relationship with a student, Plantation Police officials said.

Online records show the 42-year-old Santanelli is a music teacher and choir director at the school.

Police said they were made aware of the relationship between Santanelli and the adult student on Dec. 22, and that the student said Santanelli hugged and kissed them, gave them gifts, and that the two exchanged text messages.

Santanelli went before a judge on Friday, who set his bond at $7,500 and ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim, no contact with minors besides his children, and told him he can’t return to any Broward school properties.

A defense attorney had asked for a $2,500 bond, noting Santanelli has no arrest history.

The judge noted the alleged victim was 18.

Santanelli’s arrest happened Thursday morning before classes began, according to a message sent to families by the principal.

The principal added that the teacher was reassigned away from the school and students pending the outcome, adding that student safety is a top priority.

Outside the school Friday, some students shared their concerns, calling the allegations shocking and alarming.

“This is just sad, like, for this to happen at my school, like, I just feel bad,” one student said.

While some students expressed disappointment, many who know the teacher had similar descriptions.

“I don’t know, he was just kind of weird, I had his class, he is very awkward,” one student said. “Every time I see him he would just like close the blinds and close the windows like something was going on, like he gave me very secretive and creepy.”

“He was overly nice to girls, it was kind of weird,” said another student.