Region 14 Closes Investigation Into 'Unethical Conduct'

After the resignation of Region 14’s Interim Director of Operations John Turk at the end of April, the Board of Education looked in to allegations of misconduct in the region included in his resignation letter.

Board of Education Chairman George Bauer issued a release Friday stating that the investigation finished without finding any wrongdoing. See the full text of Bauer's statement below.

In a letter dated April 26 [see attached], Turk asserted that his “professional judgment, credibility and ethics are putting [him] into an uncompromising position.”

Turk did not elaborate on what actions or persons put him in such a position, but stated that, due to the close relationships he has developed with the Board of Education members and district faculty and staff, “I cannot and will not compromise these relationships, my professional principles and ethics. Please accept my resignation immediately.”

Bauer released the following statement Friday concerning the investigation into Turk’s statements: 

With regard to the letter of resignation submitted by Mr. Turk, please be advised that the Board of Education conducted its own review of the matter consistent with its policies and procedures and have found no evidence of "unethical" conduct by any Region 14 employee or administrator. 

The Board sees no need to investigate the matter further and now considers the matter closed. No further comments will be made by the Board on this issue, as we are required by legal obligations to safeguard the confidentiality of personnel matters. 

The Board will continue to place its faith and trust in the employees and administration as we continue with the work of moving Region 14 forward.