South Teacher Seen As Disparaging Students: School

DARIEN, IL – A Hinsdale South High School teacher got in trouble over the summer because of disparaging statements he made about students, according to public records.

The situation involved Michael Moretti, a South social studies teacher since 2001. He is also South's former head varsity basketball coach.

Moretti was in the news late last month when the mother of a South basketball player sued Hinsdale High School District 86.

Erin Savage claimed the district retaliated against her son, Brendan Savage, after he complained in May that Moretti was bullying and humiliating him.

Even though her son was a standout player, he did not make the team in November, she said. Days after the lawsuit was filed, the district let Brendan Savage back on the team.

Through a public records request, Patch obtained documents related to the disciplinary matter.

On July 6, Cheryl Moore, assistant superintendent of human resources, wrote up Moretti in response to the complaint, referring to a meeting that officials held with him a few days before.

She said the school received a report that Moretti made disparaging and negative comments about a student in front of other students in class.

When officials shared the allegations, Moretti confirmed he made some of the statements and denied making others, Moore said.

"We discussed how those comments may be perceived as insensitive, demeaning and/or demoralizing to some students," Moore wrote.

She also said it was reported that Moretti used profanity in class.

"We acknowledged you are a very good teacher and would never intentionally say or do anything that could be insensitive, demeaning or demoralizing," Moore said. "However, we discussed that intent does not matter and we have to look at the impact of the communication instead."

Moore said the school expected Moretti to communicate positively and professionally and refrain from sarcasm, negativity and mockery.

If Moretti failed to meet these expectations, Moore said, he may face disciplinary action, including possible termination.

On Aug. 30, Moretti responded to Moore's letter, saying he was following the advice of his union's representative and his union's lawyer.

He said he did not believe the investigation was conducted properly. It failed to take into consideration his defense against the allegations, including adults who could have spoken in his defense, he said.

Moretti also said he did not believe it was a "transparent investigation as to the elements of the process not related to the bullying charge."

"As such, I do not believe the standard for just cause was met," he said.

The school also provided Moretti's June 14 one-sentence letter of resignation as head coach. He did not give a reason.

Moretti has not returned emailed messages for comment.