Parents are expressing anger at a plea deal offered to a Walt Whitman High School teacher who pleaded guilty to charges related to a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.

Brian Dreher, 41, pleaded guilty last week to rape and sexual misconduct charges for having sex multiple times with the female student. The once-popular social studies teacher will now be a registered sex offender.

The Suffolk DA's Office says it recommended Dreher serve three years for his plea. But the DA's office says the judge will cap Dreher's time behind bars at six months, with 10 years’ probation.

Dreher will be sentenced March 14, and his "risk level" will be determined at that time. In a statement, the school district says it supports the police department’s "successful efforts" and that they "quickly acted on" Dreher's resignation.

Dreher didn't answer the door at his Huntington Station home Friday.