GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — A former Northern Guilford Middle School teacher is accused of statutory rape of a student, according to a Tuesday news release from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office.

Carly Shea Smith, 41, of Greensboro, was arrested and charged with statutory rape, statutory sex offense, indecent liberties with a student by a teacher and indecent liberties with a child.

The child was reportedly under the age of 16, according to warrants.

According to Guilford County Schools, Smith was hired on Jan. 11, 2016 and resigned on June 24, 2019. She was an exceptional children’s teacher.

According to warrants, the offenses took place between Dec. 1, 2018, and May 23, 2019.

According to court documents, Smith met her $30,000 bond.

Nora K. Carr, Guilford County Schools chief of staff, released the following statement:

“When a child’s trust is violated by an educator, it’s a serious matter. These allegations are disturbing, and we are deeply concerned for all those involved, particularly our former student and the student’s family.”

Parents told FOX8 they were upset by the news Tuesday morning, explaining that the school is a tight-knit community.

“That bothers me, that bothers me. I have two daughters, so that really bothers me,” Geniro Fillman said.

He said that allegations like these are why he has open conversations with his children often.

“Tell me the truth. You have to tell me the truth, because I’m a parent that’s going to react first. So just tell me the truth so we can take care of it,” he said. “I teach my daughters if someone makes you uncomfortable, I don’t care what it is tell your dad the truth. Speak to them every day.”