Music teacher Boardman pleads not guilty to drug possession charges

A Boardman music teacher pleaded not guilty Monday to drug possession charges.

Robert Pavalko, 45, pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated drug possession and permitting drug abuse at his arraignment Monday afternoon.

His bond was kept at $5,000.

Pavalko was arrested following a sexual affair in April, during which police said he attempted to meet a sex worker in Columbiana County.

The Boardman Local School District previously released a statement in April about the accusations, saying the incident did not take place on school property and did not involve any students.

He has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of his legal proceedings and an internal investigation.

Pavalko is due back in court Aug. 19 for an intervention hearing.