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Posted: 11:02 PM Nov 25, 2009
Durand Teacher Resigns Under Accusations of Misconduct
For the second time in a month, a Durand High School teacher is accused of inappropriate behavior. The teacher has not been arrested but he has resigned.
Reporter: Alice Barr |
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"I don't see him as that kind of person," says Durand Senior Adam Phlaume. He thinks he knows who the latest District 322 teacher accused of misconduct is.
"I've had this teacher for about two years and never had a problem with him. He was a great teacher," says Phlaume.
The teacher has now resigned but Winnebago County authorities will not confirm his name, nor or they saying what he's under investigation for.
"That investigation is continuing at this point in time," says Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato. "At this point there are no charges or any other information to disclose until we've had an opportunity to take a look at what this actually involves."
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department says information about this new case came to light while they were investigating Durand High School teacher Jennifer Bland.
Last month, Bland was arrested for having sexual contact with six male students, ages 13 to 17. She's charged with 19 counts including aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault.
Bland was fired from the school district, but some parents say administrators should have taken action sooner.
"Who's responsible, who's going to take responsibility? Are there going to be other firings? Superintendent should be knowing what's going on, same with the principals," says Durand parent Ryan Sampson.
Superintendent Doug DeSchepper posted a message to parents on the District's website stating administrators took immediate action in this case and they continue to work to ensure all interactions between teachers and students are "professional and appropriate."
But parents and students we spoke to say the damage is already done and it will take time for the community to recover.
"Everyone's talking about it and how can you be proud of it?" says Sampson.
Phlaume adds, "Teachers need to start acting more like teachers. Students have problems you want to be there for them, but there is a guideline you must walk and you can't just cross that."
The 23-year-old teacher Jennifer Bland is now out on bond, with some strict requirements. While her trial is pending, she's prohibited from going within five miles of Durand and cannot contact any students from the school district. She's also not allowed within 500 feet of any school.
Latest Comments
Durand has a history of hiring bad teachers, but this guy was one of it's best. He will be missed. I was in his classes for 3 years. Durand is a good school, and I plan to send my children there. you can find cliques and mean kids in every school, and Durand is no exception. but Durand has many good and professional teachers.
Anonymous, I think you misunderstand me. I definitely DO NOT see their behavior as appropriate if they commit this act. I am talking about false accusations made towards teachers that students may not like and want to get rid of. There are plenty of excellent teachers in that school that are getting a bad name because of these reports. My comments about teachers doing nothing wrong were towards the anchors in the news clip that accompanied the story. To sad, I am not an alumni. I am familiar with many of the schools and the caliber of students throughout the area. DHS has one of the highest reputations. If you know anything about high school, cliques are a part of life and nothing new. You will find those anywhere and everywhere. As for the teacher, I hope that it is not true. The fact that they have not released his name gives hope. If it is true, then it is a crime, and he will have to face the appropriate punishment.
Anonymous, The comment that you posted is ignorant. When an adult makes a decision to have a sexual relationship with a child (anyone under 18) it is a crime. Any crime committed against a child is not their fault, it is the criminals fault. If a teacher or anyone else is walking on eggshells in fear of being accused next, they should have nothing to worry about if they are innocent. I am hoping you are not in the education system, if you see this behavior as appopriate. You sicken me!!
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