Kimberly Bailey Ward, 40, of 40 Crestline Drive, Selma, faces six counts of aiding and abetting underage possession of alcohol and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

Ward resigned Feb. 8, one day before school officials asked the Johnston County Sheriff's Office to investigate allegations of "inappropriate conduct" with high school students. Ward had taught language arts at North Johnston Middle since August 2008, according to school personnel records.

According to arrest warrants, Ward caused the youngest of the six teens involved, a 13-year-old, to become intoxicated. The incident took place in January, warrants state.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Tammy Amaon said that one of the teens was Ward's daughter, while the others were her daughter's friends. The incident occurred at Ward's home north of Selma, Amaon said.

Ward was released on a $5,000 bond.

Johnston County Schools spokeswoman Terri Sessoms declined to provide details of the school's role in the investigation, citing confidential personnel records.

"The school system is aware of the criminal charges against Ms. Ward," Sessoms said. "The school system and Board of Education is fully cooperating with the authorities. At this time, the situation is a matter for the criminal justice system to address and take any action that is warranted."

School personnel policies don't specify whether teachers can keep their jobs when charged with a crime. Sessoms said action is taken on a case-by-case basis using the following district policy:

"All school system employees hold positions of public trust; they are responsible for the education of students and also serve as examples and role models to students. Each employee is responsible for both the integrity and the consequences of his or her own actions. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal."

Ward is the fourth Johnston school employee arrested in the past year. Three former staff members at West Johnston High are facing charges they had sexual relationships with students there.