Police are investigating after an elementary school teacher in Vernon Hills was placed on leave following allegations of engaging in inappropriate behavior with former students.
Hawthorn District 73 Superintendent Dr. Peter Hannigan sent a letter to families in the district on Friday.
“We in Hawthorn District 73 prioritize our students’ safety and emotional well-being, and that is why we’re contacting you today,” Hannigan said.
A teacher at Townline Elementary School in Vernon Hills was placed on paid administrative leave on Thursday.
The district said the teacher was placed on leave due to reports of them having inappropriate behavior with former students.
Hannigan said the district immediately contacted the Vernon Hills Police Department and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) after learning about the allegations.
The district is also conducting its own investigation in cooperation with the authorities.
A long-term substitute teacher has been assigned to the teacher’s classroom so that there is minimum disruption to learning, Hannigan said.
“We caution everyone that at this point the reports are allegations and no conclusions have been reached,” Hannigan said.
Hannigan said that the district cannot discuss the specifics of the situation but that the district takes the allegations “very seriously” and finds “any inappropriate behavior by one of our educators inexcusable.”
“I assure you that the district is cooperating with the investigation and will take all necessary action to protect the students and the learning environment,” Hannigan added.
Vernon Hills Deputy Police Chief Shannon Holubetz told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that the department was notified by school distraction of a “personnel matter” involving the teacher.
“The Department is currently gathering necessary information in order to determine if further investigation is warranted,” Holubetz said, adding that the department was not releasing further details on the allegations.