Lake Forest teacher accused of kissing student's neck

A Lake Forest High School teacher has pleaded not guilty to touching the leg and kissing the neck of a student in May.

Albert Macius, 64, of Inverness, has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of battery/making physical contact having to do with a May 11 incident, court records show. The student has not been identified.

Macius posted a $1,500 signature bond and is out of Lake County jail.

Lake Forest High School officials said a student reported that Macius, a math teacher, came to her home in May and made inappropriate physical contact.

He was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, officials said in a news release Tuesday. He also is prohibited from school grounds, and is not allowed to contact students or staff.

Officials alerted the Department of Child and Family Services and the Lake Bluff Police Department. Following their investigation, officials said, the Lake County state's attorney's office charged Macius.

“Student safety is our first priority, and we take allegations such as this one very seriously,” officials said in the news release, adding social workers and counselors are available for parents and students in need.

People wishing to sign up for services can contact Deputy Superintendent Allen Albus at aalbus@lfschools.net or (847) 604-7404. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Lake Bluff police at (847) 234-2153.

Macius is due back in court on Sept 17.

• Daily Herald staff writer Lee Filas contributed to this report.