UPDATE: Parents voice concerns over allegations that West Iron County teacher sent inappropriate texts to student

IRON RIVER, Mich. (WLUC) - UPDATE: Jan 17, 2023

There is new information about a West Iron County teacher resigning earlier this month. West Iron County School Resource Officer Doug Weesner told TV6 that, on Jan. 4, allegations of inappropriate messages sent between a male teacher and a female student were reported to the school district.

The officer says there are no allegations that physical contact was made.

The Iron County Sheriff’s Office is assigned to the investigation. According to Sheriff Boehmke, they are awaiting phone extraction reports from the Michigan State Crime Lab. At this time, nothing has been submitted to the Prosecutor’s office for charges.

The teacher’s name has not been publicly released. A large group of community members attended Tuesday evening’s school board meeting, where they expressed their concerns for student safety and frustrations over response time in notifying parents of the issue.

“You say you want to protect the district? This is your district,” said Sari Franzene, a concerned parent. “We have parents, students, faculty members and good teachers that make up this district. In order to keep us safe and protected, you need to be transparent in some sense.”

Board members addressed parent concerns, saying the allegation was dealt with immediately. The board also said two social workers, a school counselor and Officer Weesner are available to speak with children looking for help.

TV6 will continue to follow this developing story and share updates from the investigation.

Last published: Jan 12, 2023 8:38:02 PM

A West Iron County School teacher has resigned following an investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct, according to superintendent Kevin Schmutzler.

“Immediate, appropriate and necessary action” was taken, Schmutzler said. The teacher resigned on January 4 after being placed on administrative leave.

Schmutzler said the administration contacted the Iron County Sheriff’s Department, which will take over the investigation going forward. He said this is all the information the school can provide due to the active investigation.

“Our first obligation as a school district is to do everything we can to support the students, families, and staff of West Iron County Schools,” Schmutzler said in a statement. “If your son or daughter needs any support, including social or emotional assistance, please contact the school office.”

The teacher was not named in the letter.

TV6 has reached out to law enforcement for further details and will update when we receive further information.

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