Why Ex-LTHS Teacher Was Written Up: School

LA GRANGE, IL – The Lyons Township High School teacher who announced his resignation late last month was accused of unprofessional conduct a year earlier.

In his resignation letter to the public, English teacher Tom Stukel acknowledged the board issued him a "notice of remedy" last year. But he said it was in retaliation for his speaking out against the school's controversial grading policies.

On Monday, Stukel declined to further comment on the school's disciplinary action.

Through a public records request, Patch obtained the notice of remedy against Stukel on Friday.

The recommendation for a notice of remedy was made by then-Superintendent Timothy Kilrea, who was days away from retiring. The school board unanimously approved it.

In a June 16, 2021, letter to Stukel, Kilrea said the teacher used bad judgment and failed to conduct himself professionally.

"You have created a learning environment that has been perceived as being hostile in nature, with your actions being described as bullying and intimidating," Kilrea said. "This perception has led to students and parents being not willing to address concerns directly with you out of fear of retaliation."

Kilrea said Stukel used hostile and confrontational language with students, staff and parents in both written and oral settings. Stukel has used the term "worthless" in describing to students the quality of their writing, Kilrea said.

Kilrea also said Stukel had engaged in discussions unrelated to the curriculum of his courses. They were perceived as one-sided political conversations, with students saying they feared sharing different views, Kilrea said.

The notice said Stukel told students they were unable to revise assessments, were required to keep their cameras on during remote classes and told they would not graduate if they received multiple tardies to class.

"None of these are consistent with District directives, expectations or guidelines," Kilrea said.

The notice said Stukel had been informed of issues in a variety of meetings, the most recent being March 4, 2021.

Kilrea told Stukel his continued unprofessional conduct would jeopardize his employment with the school. Further problems, Kilrea said, would lead to his suspension without pay and firing.

Kilrea directed Stukel to consult with the school-provided employee assistance program pertaining to his "poor decision-making and unprofessional conduct."

On May 27, Stukel announced his resignation in a letter on Patch. In response, he received much praise from residents.

Stukel, a Lyons Township teacher for 17 years, said he and his wife are moving to Miami Beach.