Art teacher accused of sexual misconduct in tort notices filed against Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation

(WXIN/WTTV) — Legal action is being pursued against the Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation and North Madison Elementary School amid allegations that an art teacher inappropriately touched multiple students.

In tort claims obtained by FOX59/CBS4, the families of students attending North Madison Elementary School claim their children were “harassed, inappropriately touched, and intimidated” by their art teacher.

The allegations initially surfaced in April when a student shared that “his art teacher was making him uncomfortable.” A few days later, the student’s parents learned their child had been called to the principal’s office to answer questions regarding the teacher’s behavior.

The tort claims went on to state that at the time of questioning, the school had already received multiple reports outlining similar instances of inappropriate behavior. The law firm claims the school “did nothing” to remove the art teacher from his position, arguing that the Mooresville Consolidated School District and North Madison Elementary School “failed to exercise reasonable care for the supervision and protection of its students.”

The law firm CohenMalad, LLP filed the tort claims on behalf of the parents and students. A tort claim is the first step in notifying the district of a possible lawsuit seeking damages.

The parents are seeking an undisclosed amount of money for damages for each instance of alleged abuse and negligence.

CohenMalad LLP confirmed that the teacher previously worked at the East Allen County School Corporation from 2015 to 2024, where he taught art at Heritage Elementary, Leo Elementary and Woodlan Elementary. The teacher also worked at the Fort Wayne Community School Corporation.

Mooresville Consolidated School District told FOX59/CBS4 that the art teacher has been placed on administrative leave as they continue to investigate the claims that have been filed.

The school’s complete statement can be viewed below:

“We want to share with you that there will be a change in our elementary art program at North Madison. Our art teacher has been placed on administrative leave. The Superintendent has issued a preliminary determination for a cancellation of contract. An appeal process is ongoing at this time. During this process we are working toward having a consistent substitute teacher for art classes. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students.”

Due to the teacher not being criminally charged at this time, FOX59/CBS4 is not publishing his name. If a formal lawsuit is filed and criminal charges are officially filed, we will add his name to this article.