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| 12/14/2007 9:14:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Inappropriate relationship costs teacher his job
The Blair School Board has accepted the resignation of fifth-grade teacher Jim Koontz, effective immediately, in the wake of an "inappropriate relationship" with a 17-year-old high school student. Koontz was suspended with pay on Nov. 29, when school district administrators confirmed the relationship. They subsequently recommended to the school board that Koontz's teaching contract be terminated.
At its meeting on Monday, Dec. 10, the board discussed the matter in closed session for nearly an hour, then voted 6-2 to accept Koontz's immediate resignation. Board members Lana Pleak and Jay Anderson voted no.
Superintendent Steve Shanahan also said information about the relationship has been forwarded to the Blair Police Department, as well as the Nebraska Department of Education.
Blair Police Chief Joe Lager said his department received the information from the school district on Monday. By law, the school district must report any potentially dangerous or illegal situation involving a student to law enforcement. Lager said police were investigating the situation.
Shanahan said the relationship was first brought to his attention in a telephone call on Nov. 27, but the person who called would not meet with him until Nov. 29. He arranged to meet with them at 10 a.m. on Nov. 29.
In the meantime, on the evening of Nov. 28, Shanahan said he received phone calls from the parent of the student involved, as well as Arbor Park principal Mike Janssen informing him of the situation.
"Both of these people had contact with Mr. Koontz personally and confirmed the fact that an inappropriate student-teacher relationship may have occurred," Shanahan said.
Koontz was suspended with pay on the morning of Nov. 29, pending an investigation by the district, Shanahan said.
"Our subsequent investigation indicated that this relationship may have been going on since the latter part of October," he said.
Koontz had taught fifth grade at Arbor Park since 2002. He had coached middle school intramural football, freshman boys basketball and had been assistant varsity coach for girls basketball and softball.
Shanahan said Carol Williams substituted in Koontz's class for seven days and Diana Olsen will finish the semester. Nancy Gardner, a retired Blair second-grade teacher, will teach the class for the second semester.
"We are extremely pleased that Nancy is returning to assist the district in this difficult situation," Shanahan said.
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