NORWAY -- After months of controversy, school board elections in Norway are taking center stage. Now questions are being raised about school board candidate Andy Hongisto and his record while serving as principal at Vulcan Middle School.
It's important to remember that these are not criminal charges, but complaints of misconduct while Hongisto served as principal.
There were five complaints filed over his 13 years as principal ranging in severity.
A 2008 complaint alleges Hongisto made a pass at a parent in his office, saying, "Principal Hongisto came up to her and took her hands and held them in his," and that Hongisto "asked her if she was available to go to Green Bay with him" for his physical therapy session.
In a written apology at the time, Hongisto said it was a misunderstanding and there was "no ulterior motive behind the request."
Another complaint alleges Hongisto inappropriately touched a female teacher on her lower back in 2002 which he apologized for.
Hongisto released a statement Tuesday to Upper Michigan's Source about the story:
"Due to a pending defamation of character lawsuit, I have been advised by legal counsel not to make any statements concerning this issue. I do, however, stand by my 22 year educational record, and am committed to serving the Norway-Vulcan Area School District as a dedicated, caring board of education member who will put students first."
Hongisto was active in attempting to recall school board members earlier this year for their handling of Principal Brad Grayvold who pled guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence in September.
The school board elections are Tuesday, May 3.
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