The Manhattan Junior High P.E. teacher, who had been escorted out of the building and placed on paid leave for alleged inappropriate behavior that violated board policy, was cleared of criminal wrongdoing Friday morning.
The school district issued a statement to parents on March 5 alerting them the “District acted quickly to begin an investigation into the allegations and to take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our students,” emphasizing they would “continue to remain vigilant to proactively address any concerns.”
The district had requested the Manhattan Police Department’s assistance in “determining whether a complaint they received about a teacher was criminal in nature.”
On Friday, March 14, the Manhattan Police Department’s Chief Ryan Gulli issued a release clearing the P.E. teacher of criminal wrongdoing. The statement noted the investigation could be reopened if further evidence is uncovered.
“Detectives from the Manhattan Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Children and Family Services, Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, immediately launched an investigation to determine if a violation of Unauthorized Video Recording (720 ILCS 5/26-4) had occurred. Based on this investigation, it was determined no criminal charges will be pursued at this time,” the statement read.
The March 12 Manhattan School Board meeting drew the attention of Chicago media — however, outside of a few public comments, the meeting was business as usual.
Vice President Emily Wesel led the meeting in President John Burke’s absence, frequently turning to Supt. Ron Pacheco for guidance.
Teacher and member of the teacher’s union Alicia Tooley spoke first during public comment, praising the teachers and thanking those who showed up in support before stating the union looks forward to fair and equitable negotiations.
“The staff here is dedicated. They have been dedicated through all things, and they continue to be dedicated,” Tooley affirmed.
Parent Kim Russell spoke next and praised the district’s teachers before sharing her concerns.
“It just seems to me like there’s so much hidden,” Russell said, questioning what policy the district was following and when parents and the community could expect to be notified of important events like the teacher being escorted off the property.
Russell said she had never encountered anything like this and was “shaken” by the lack of communication from the district.
Next, Katie Pavur called attention to and questioned the board’s actions, noting they didn’t seem to follow the district’s own policies and contracts and appeared to apply them arbitrarily.
“I question this for two reasons: Number one, the discipline written in their contract does not align with what currently is happening, and number two, our board members have violated the sexual harassment policy, and they are still sitting there actively involved,” Pavur said.
“So, which policies are enforced and for whom, and will that be another lawsuit?” Pavur questioned.
Eric Aultz spoke last, noting no call was made to the media as there has been a sufficient amount of bad news from the district.
Kim Maher gave a lengthy presentation explaining how the district decided the new four-tiered bell schedule — except the proposed schedule was never disclosed to the public nor was it a slide in the presentation.
Wesel asked for a motion to approve the undisclosed bell times and the minor calendar changes, which caused a clamor. Someone shouted, “What are they?” referring to the unknown bell times.
Supt. Pacheco cracked a joke, which eased the crowd with laughter before reading the proposed bell schedule: Tier 1, MIS, starts at 7:30 a.m., with a dismissal of 2 p.m.; Tier 2, MJHS, starts at 8:10 a.m., with a dismissal of 2:40 p.m.; Tier 3, Anna McDonald, starts at 8:40 a.m. with a dismissal of 3:10 p.m.; and Tier 4, Wilson Creek, starts at 9:10 a.m. with a dismissal of 3:40 p.m.
The timing gave the crowd and many board members pause.
Board member Donald Knoll initially asked to be skipped but then questioned splitting out the calendar changes from the bell times after board member Barb Steffen, who followed Knoll in the roll call, also was going to abstain after a long pause.
“Honestly, the board doesn’t need to approve the bell schedule; that’s a recommendation, but President Burke wanted the board to support it,” Pacheco said, noting it would be best to approve sooner rather than later.
At that point, Knoll and others said they’d like more time to review it. The calendar was approved, and the bell schedule was tabled. The board updated its bullying policy, adding a reporting page to the district’s website.
Outside of that, the board approved contract renewals and tenure for several teachers, along with the resignation of a few teachers and Wilson Creek Assistant Principal Megan Conlin.
Board member Terry Doyle chimed in, thanking Conlin for her hard work.
Pacheco added, “You will be missed.” Pacheco noted Conlin was resigning because she found a position where she could work close to home.
The board also unanimously approved the non-renewal of one final-year probationary teacher. The district declined to comment on the action.
“I’d like to say that it’s — this is a hard job, and I want to just thank everybody for being here tonight. It’s just a hard thing, and I hope everybody has a good night. That’s just all I wanted to say,” Wesel said, concluding the meeting.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.