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LOS ANGELES (AP) - A former Los Angeles teacher pleaded not guilty Tuesday to committing lewd acts with 23 children in his classroom.

Mark Berndt, 61, remained jailed on $23 million bail.

Berndt was a teacher for more than 30 years at Miramonte Elementary School. He was arrested in January and charged with committing lewd acts on children as young as 6.

Another Miramonte teacher, Martin Springer, has pleaded not guilty to lewd acts for allegedly fondling a girl in class.

Former students have sued, alleging other molestation incidents.

The entire Miramonte staff was replaced, at least temporarily, as the investigation proceeds.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)