How to handle this?

[BioNerd]

I teach in the district where I grew up. My HS split into a new one and the old one about 7 years ago. I teach at the new one. As a result, I know basically everyone there, staff, faculty, students, parents, etc.

I went to school with our receptionist's daughter. She was a freshman, I was a senior. We did an activity together so we were together a lot. Her mom was there all the time.

Now, I'll be the first to say, I was DRAMA in high school. Not because I tried to be, I just didn't quite know how to dial it down.

I heard from my BFF that receptionist told someone else (that works with BFF, NOT even the same field) that I am unreliable and that in HS I was a terrible friend to her daughter and caused her daughter to become depressed. WUT?

As far as I know, her daughter became depressed when the guy she liked suddenly died. We were both friends with the guy. 

So anyway, now I'm concerned about who she's telling these things to. I have never been unreliable at work and have often been praised for my attention to detail.

Another issue I have, is I feel like she holds this grudge against me.
Example: One of her duties is to get subs or coverage if a teacher needs to leave or be out expectantly. Monday, I called her at 10 and said, "They have just called the family in, they believe my husband's grandfather is going to pass away soon. I need to go to (town). I can teach the rest of this class, would you mind finding coverage for my next one please?" Her response was, "*sigh* I'll see what I can do"
 

[flatlan]

Do you have any contact with the daughter now? If you and the daughter are on good terms now, maybe you could say to receptionist "I know that daughter and I may have had some issues in the past but a long time has passed and we have both put that behind us. I hope that you and I can do the same and keep our relationship professional"

[imojoebunny]

Stop the drama. Don't acknowledge. I think most rational people would be like WTF to this grown woman dredging up high school crap. If she doesn't do her job in supporting you at work, I would first mention it to her professionally, then if it happens again, tell your principal or her boss the specific incident with no mention of the high school friend gossip drama (write down specific incidents that impact your job only).

[Deleted]

I would ignore it. If she is telling everyone that you are unreliable and yet you come as reliable she will end up looking petty/unprofessional and no one will take her at her word.

I can't believe anyone would be judging someone professionally based on how they acted in HS.

[tine]

I agree with not acknowledging it. I would side eye a grown woman blaming her daughter's depression decades ago on a coworker.

[VillainV]

As hard as it might be, I would just ignore it. If anyone brings it up to you, just say, "Hmm, I don't recall any of that, but high school was a long time ago and we've all grown up a lot since then."

[mbcdefg]

Ignore it. Not only is it unprofessional, but you're getting this information secondhand.

Do your job, be civil to her, document anything that needs to be documented, cover your ass when it comes to stuff that involves her (get confirmation in writing/email, save copies and receipts, etc.), and report her to HR/the boss if her attitude is affecting your work.