School board meeting takes place in Manhattan amid investigation into middle school teacher’s alleged misconduct

MANHATTAN, Ill. — A school board meeting is set to take place in south suburban Manhattan on Wednesday night, where parents are expected to speak about a middle school employee who was recently placed on paid leave following allegations of misconduct.

Manhattan police have confirmed that they are conducting an investigation into a Physical Education teacher at Manhattan Junior High School.

Manhattan Police Chief Ryan Gulli said his department was contacted by officials from Manhattan School District 114 to look into claims of misconduct and determine if anything criminal in nature took place.

“I was in a state of shock in total disbelief,” one parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said about the allegations.

The teacher was escorted out of the school last Wednesday and is currently on paid leave during the investigation into what the district described as “an alleged violation of district policy.”

“The District was made aware yesterday of allegations that a school employee had engaged in activity that did not align with board policy. Based upon those allegations, 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,” Superintendent Ron Pacheco said in a notification sent to parents on March 5.

Specific details about the allegations remain unclear.

Wednesday’s meeting gets underway at the district’s headquarters at 6:30 p.m.