DEERFIELD (AP) — Administrators at a prestigious New England private school say a former student told them he had “sexual contact” with popular and longtime math teacher who has since retired.

Officials at Deerfield Academy said Monday on the school’s website they are investigating and have notified authorities.

The alleged contact occurred during the 1980s, but the school didn’t provide further details.

The school identified the teacher as Peter Hindle, who taught at Deerfield from 1956 until 2000.

The 78-year-old Hindle said he was consulting with a lawyer, and had given several students back rubs over the years.

Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan called the reports “deeply disturbing.” He said state police from his office are available to former students wishing to report inappropriate contact, but his office generally isn’t involved unless a crime falls within the time limit for prosecution.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.