A former substitute teacher and cheerleading coach has denied the allegation she had sex with one of her students.

Kelli Jo Camp, 29, pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning in Superior Court in Santa Maria to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Camp was simultaneously a long-term substitute teacher at Cuyama Valley High School, a cheerleading coach at Lakeview Junior High School in Orcutt and a volunteer cheerleading coach with Central Coast Shockwave in Santa Maria.

She was also formerly an instructor at Righetti High School, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.

The alleged victim was a 17-year-old boy who was a student at Cuyama Valley High School.

Camp, of New Cuyama, was arrested May 29 by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department. She is not currently in custody.

Cuyama Valley High School administrators contacted the sheriff's department because of a growing concern that Camp may have had inappropriate relationships with her male students.

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Camp taught technology, drama and beginning-level math classes at the high school, where she had been employed starting in September. Camp was released from her employment with the district in early May when administrators learned of the progress of the sheriff's department's investigation, according to Cuyama Joint Unified School District Superintendent Jan Hensley.

Orcutt Union School District Superintendent Sharon McHolland on Wednesday declined to discuss Camp's employment status with the district, but said teachers are not currently in classrooms because school is out for the summer. The matter will go before the school board, she added.

Camp had been employed for about a week at Valerie House in Santa Maria at the time of her arrest, which is a youth group home that does not currently have any residents. She resigned her position following her arrest.

Jennifer Rosario, coach at Central Coast Shockwave, said Wednesday that the group was no longer publicly discussing Camp's employment status with the organization. Rosario said shortly after Camp's arrest said that the coach would no longer be working with the group.

Camp's attorney, Michael Scott, said Wednesday that this is an emotional time for his client, who he said was a respected teacher and coach.

“Now the schools are basically shunning her,” he said.

Scott said he understands the schools' interest in the case, but added that Camp is presumed innocent. Camp is due back in Santa Maria court July 9.

June 14, 2007