Dist. 220 Reavis School Board Accepts Resignation Of Teacher Accused Of 'Inappropriate Behavior'

BURBANK, IL — The Reavis High School Dist. 220 school board voted Tuesday evening to accept the resignation of a teacher accused of inappropriate behavior by a student last month.

No charges have yet been filed against the accused teacher, as a criminal investigation into the student’s allegations continue, Burbank police told Patch.

Although originally reported as two students who alleged “inappropriate behavior” by a male teacher in the world languages department, D220 Supt. Dan Riordan clarified in an email to Patch, that only one student was found to be a victim.

“We interviewed several students, but the situation that was investigated surrounded around only one student,” Riordan said.

In a letter to parents shared by Riordan on the Burbank high school's Facebook page last week, the student told a staff member on Dec. 12 of the teacher’s alleged inappropriate conduct. As mandatory reporters, the staff member immediately informed the school administration of the allegations.

Riordan said in his letter that the school immediately interviewed several students on Dec. 12, and all day Monday, Dec. 15.

According to Riordan, the administration “determined the allegations had merit.”

Later that week, the accused teacher was interviews with his union representative.

“Following the administration’s investigation of “these serious allegations,” the teacher was immediately placed on suspension and faced termination,” the statement read. “While working with the teacher’s union representatives, the teacher offered to resign.”

Administrators consulted with the district’s legal counsel, who “strongly recommended” that the district accept the teacher’s resignation.

The accused teacher’s resignation was accepted on Dec. 19, just before classes were dismissed winter break.

“We made it clear to the teacher that there would be no severance and/or post-employment compensation and that his time at Reavis High School was over,” Riordan said in his statement.

Further, the superintendent said the teacher’s keys were taken, and directed not to enter the school building, be on campus, or attend any school-sponsored events moving forward.

The high school also informed the Burbank Police Department, the Illinois Regional Office of Education, and the Illinois State Board of Education, who have each initiated their own investigation into the allegations.

Riordan stated the school officials will fully cooperation with the investigation and provide any and all necessary information.

“To be clear, we take all allegations of inappropriate behavior and misconduct seriously. Our students’ safety, security and well-being will always be our top priority,” the superintendent continued. “We have a long history of listening to our students, believing in our students, and always protective of our students. That will never change.”