A Boardman Local School District elementary school music teacher has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest in Columbiana County on drug-related charges last weekend by members of the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
      Pavalko, 44, was reportedly the driver for a man named Logan Larlham, 26, of East Judson, Youngstown, Oh., who is alleged to have answered an ‘undercover ad’ on a known prostitution web site, where he solicited a female to come to a motel room in Boardman.
      Larlham is alleged to have told the woman in the undercover ad if he got her the motel room, that she, in turn, could send him people who wanted to buy drugs, in particular, methamphetamine.
      According to reports, Larlham said he would have his driver, identified as Pavalko, pick up the woman; and when they did, he would also bring some meth.
      When Larlham and Pavalko arrived to pick-up the female, they were instead, met by agents of the task force.
      Larlham is wanted on a warrant issued out of Mahoning County for failing to register as a sex offender.
      Larlham has been charged with promoting prostitution amd poassesson of drugs, while Pavalko faces charges of possession of methamphetamine and permitting drug abuse.
      Upon learning of Pavalko’s arrest, the Boardman Local School District issued the following statement---
      “The Boardman School district has become aware that Robert Pavalko, a music teacher in the district, was arrested over the weekend in Columbiana County and is now facing drug possession charges.
      “The Boardman Schools take this and any allegation against a teacher very seriously, as student safety is the district’s top priority. The Boardman Schools work to ensure the safety, responsibility and professionalism of employees and students in the district.
      “While this incident occurred off school property and did not involve any students, Pavalko has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of legal proceedings and an internal investigation. The district’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct among its staff and ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the school community.”
      Boardman Local School Supt. Timothy L. Saxton added “We are shocked and deeply disappointed by these allegations. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement to address this matter swiftly and appropriately.”
      Pavalko has been employed with Boardman Local Schools for seven years.