SKANEATELES -- A school district may have a resolution soon as it expects a letter of resignation from a teacher who pleaded guilty to having an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl.

William Milham pleaded guilty in Onondaga County Court Thursday to charges of third-degree criminal sexual act.

In September, Elbridge-based state police charged Milham with three counts of felony sexual act. The charges revolve around a sexual encounter Milham had with a student younger than 17 about five years ago, according to troopers. Authorities believed the Syracuse man had an ongoing relationship with the female student.

The Skaneateles Central School District suspended Milham as of Sept. 25 with pay at the annual salary rate of $54,250.

The court accepted Milham's plea on the agreement that the man in his mid-30s would terminate his position with the district.

Superintendent Phil D'Angelo expects a letter of resignation from Milham, which was one of the conditions. As of Thursday, he had not received Milham's letter terminating his employment, but said if the district receives it early next week, the board could accept it as early as Tuesday's board meeting.

"It's a relief that we're at this stage," D'Angelo said. "It will take some stress off the budget. I'm glad that we won't have the addition strain on the budget."

The district has employed a certified long-term substitute teacher to instruct Milham's classes, which are predominantly 10th grade social studies.

For more, read Friday's Citizen