A Roland-Story middle school teacher has resigned amid accusations of inappropriate communication with students.
The school district determined that Colden (Cole) Carlson engaged in unauthorized and inappropriate social media and other conduct and communication with students following an investigation, Superintendent Josh Johnson revealed in a press release.
Carlson’s alleged conduct violates school board policy for “Employee Appearance and Conduct,” the release said. The Roland-Story School board accepted Carlson’s resignation “for personal reasons” in lieu of termination during a special board meeting on Monday, Feb. 16.
Carlson taught seventh grade math and social studies at Roland-Story Middle School, according to the district’s website.
He is not currently facing criminal charges.
The Roland-Story School District said it will not provide a statement or further information.
Roland-Story investigation started in January
The Roland-Story Community School District sent a letter to families on Jan. 28, noting that it was investigating “a report of alleged inappropriate communications between a district staff member and a student.”
Law enforcement was notified, and the then-unnamed staff member, later revealed as Carlson, was placed on paid administrative leave, per district protocol, the letter said.
A second letter was sent to families on Feb. 9, saying the personnel matter was still ongoing and the staff member remained on paid leave. The letter said the school was “advised by its legal counsel to refrain from public comment or action while investigations are ongoing.”
“Please know the district takes all complaints seriously and is working both internally and externally to ensure a full investigation is conducted,” the Feb. 9 letter said.
Carlson submitted his letter of resignation on Friday, Feb. 13, which the school board accepted three days later.
“Because this is an ongoing situation and personnel matter, the district is limited in the information it can share,” a third letter sent to families on Monday said. “The district will continue to cooperate fully with other local and state entities in this matter, as appropriate and required by law.”
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Iowa teacher accused of inappropriate contact with students resigns
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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