Female teacher on the run with 13 year-old male student

The search is on for a Lexington, Nebraska middle school teacher and the 13-year-old student believed to have run away with her.

An arrest warrant has been issued for 25-year-old Kelsey Peterson, who faces possible charges of kidnapping, child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Peterson taught sixth-grade and coached basketball in the Lexington schools. She has now been suspended by the district.

Lexington Police Chief Charlie Clark says 13-year-old Fernando Rodriguez apparently had a relationship with Peterson for some time.

Court documents indicate the pair exchanged love letters before disappearing this past weekend.

There are reports they may be in Ogallala, Grand Island or Denver.

Authorities do have a description of a car Peterson is believed to be driving, a white, four-door Pontiac with Nebraska license plates 18-K161.

"In general there are some teachers who have problems, but it is infinitesimally small, really an aberration when this happens," says Maddie Fennell with the Omaha Education Association.

She says teachers with special professional relationships with their students encourage kids and they in turn get more out of school.

Fennel says all teachers need to have a balance between their public and private relationships with students.