Springville teacher resigns, district still investigating complaints

SPRINGVILLE, Utah — A Springville High School teacher is resigning following complaints that were made to the school district. 

Teacher resigns, investigation will continue

The teacher was already on paid administrative leave while school district officials review the complaints. Despite the resignation, district officials will continue their investigation.

A Springville High School teacher is on administrative leave after accusations of bullying and sexual harassment to female students.https://t.co/L7K9EXqeMB

— KSL NewsRadio (@kslnewsradio) March 30, 2021

Earlier this week, around 125 Springville High students and community members participated in a walkout organized by students at the school.

“I organized this walk-out to get this teacher fired,” said Frida Gomez-Rios, a senior at Springville High. “The way this teacher treats the girls in his class is disgusting. He looks at them provocatively and he’ll make comments about their love lives, make suggestions about what they do with their boyfriends. It’s disgusting.”

According to the district, this teacher has taught within their area for 30 years and they’ve been licensed to teach in Utah going back to 1988.

In addition to the district, the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission has indicated that they’ve also received numerous complaints.

There’s no record of disciplinary action against his teaching license, according to state records.

Claiming inappropriate behavior

The teacher and coach was the subject of a recent online petition alleging inappropriate remarks and conduct. The petition claims a majority of the inappropriate behavior was targeted at female students.

According to the Deseret News, some of the people who signed the petition shared alleged personal experiences, while others offered thirdhand accounts of alleged misconduct.

The petition indicates that allegations go as far back as the 1990s.

Officials say investigations can take several months to complete and educators can request hearings to refute findings. The professional practices commission’s recommendations are referred to the Utah State Board of Education for possible action.