SWANTON, Vt. -- A teaching assistant at Missisquoi Valley Union High School in Swanton has been charged with having a sexual relationship with a student.

Melanie Hackett, 24, of Swanton, pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault on Monday.

Police said she confessed that she was sexually involved with a 13-year-old boy.

The school superintendent said administrators have been extremely distressed to learn of the alleged incident involving a school employee and student at the school.

Hackett has been placed on administrative leave.