Two Petoskey High School band teachers return to school today following a months-long investigation.
In December, the district placed the high school’s three band directors on leave while it investigated a report of inappropriate behavior. The district said it has now cleared Tom Harder and Duane Willson to return to school, while the other band teacher, Patrick Ryan, remains on leave.
In a letter to parents and staff last week, Superintendent Chris Parker wrote the investigation was based on reports and evidence of intoxication of a school employee at a band event, as well as inappropriate behavior at school-sponsored events. Parker said some teachers were put on paid administrative leave because they were aware of inappropriate staff behavior involving, or in the presence of, students and did not report it.
He said the district conducted extensive interviews and reviewed documents and videos in an investigation that lasted over a month.
“Throughout this process, the Board of Education and administration has worked diligently to protect the integrity of the investigation as well as the privacy of those who came forward with the allegations,” Parker wrote in the letter.
The letter did not specify when Ryan’s investigation would resume or what disciplinary actions are being taken. Public Schools of Petoskey representatives did not respond to messages from IPR News.
