A Geneva Middle School guidance counselor has been placed on administrative leave while police investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a student.
The investigation began after a parent filed a complaint with the Geneva Police Department on Jan. 28. In a statement, Geneva Police Chief Ronald Eveland said the department is working closely with the Child Advocacy Center and the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office. This incident remains under investigation.
In a statement, the Geneva City School District confirmed a staff member has been placed on leave and that an internal review is underway:
The Geneva City School District is aware of concerns that have been publicly shared involving a staff member at Geneva Middle School. Upon learning of the complaint, district administrators immediately reached out to the family. The staff member has been placed on administrative leave while the matter is investigated.
The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority.
The district has initiated an internal investigation to determine the facts. As with all matters of this nature, it is important that concerns are reviewed through established processes that allow for a fair, thorough, and appropriate determination. Public discussion of allegations before that process is complete can be misleading and may complicate a careful review.
Because this matter involves a personnel issue, the district is limited in what it can share publicly and will not be providing additional details at this time.
Police identified the employee as Mark Pitifer, a Geneva alumnus, who returned to his alma mater in July 2025 after more than 35 years with the Waterloo school district. His Project H.O.P.E. has focused on supporting at-risk students through a program aimed at helping them stay in school and reach graduation.
