The girl’s track and field coach at Johnsburg High School who resigned just before he died by suicide was under criminal investigation for inappropriate conduct involving a child.
Johnsburg School District 12 Superintendent Dan Johnson and Principal Kevin Shelton sent a letter to parents on April 10 announcing the death of former staff member Tom Weaver.
Weaver, 52, was the Transition Coordinator and the girl’s track and field coach at Johnsburg High School.
The school called Weaver’s death sudden and said the loss had “deeply impacted our school community, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this profound loss,” the letter said.
In a follow-up letter sent to parents this week, Johnson said Weaver had recently resigned prior to his death.
“The resignation of Mr. Weaver came in the wake of a single allegation that was brought to the district regarding inappropriate conduct involving a student at Johnsburg High School,” Johnson said.
The superintendent said the allegation did not involve any instances of sexual abuse or physical abuse.
“When the district received the report of the misconduct, our administration took immediate action to investigate the matter thoroughly. To ensure appropriate action, the district took precautionary measures and immediately informed the Johnsburg Police Department about the matter,” Johnson said.
Johnson did not say specifically what the allegation involved but said it was deemed inappropriate and “not in line with the standards of conduct” expected from staff.
Weaver chose to immediately resign from his positions within the district as a result.
Johnson said there have been no additional complaints made against Weaver.
“Due to an ongoing investigation involving the Johnsburg Police Department and with the events that occurred last week, we were unable to provide information to our community sooner,” the superintendent said in the letter.
“However, please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students remain our utmost priority. We have taken this opportunity to review policies and procedures, and to reinforce our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all members of our school community. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within our school district,” Johnson added.
Johnsburg Police Chief Jason Greenwald said Friday that the case remains under active investigation despite Weaver’s death.
Weaver’s death, which occurred at the man’s home in Kenosha County on April 9, was investigated as a suicide by Kenosha County authorities, Greenwald said.
The police chief said he could not share specifics on the investigation but confirmed it involved a juvenile. The police department received the report and began investigating on March 25.
Greenwald said he was unsure when the investigation would be completed.
An obituary for Weaver said he had a “servant’s heart” and spent his entire career helping others.
“Throughout his career, he advocated for children and adults with disabilities, working to help them set and reach specific goals that would contribute to an improved quality of life,” the obituary said.
Weaver’s death was one of two deaths announced by Johnsburg High School last week.
Johnsburg High School Special Education Teacher Joe Grisamore’s death was announced last Friday.
“For more than twenty years, his steadfast commitment, empathy, mentorship, and skill have influenced numerous lives across the district, molding destinies and nurturing development amongst our students,” school officials said.
“His enduring legacy of compassion, empathy, and dedication to academic excellence will be forever cherished and deeply missed. As this information began circulating across social media, we felt it was necessary to inform the students,” the school’s letter said.
All students at Johnsburg High School were informed of Grisamore’s death during their third-period class.