Madison Reporter

The Sun Prairie Area School District Board of Education has provided an update on its ongoing employment investigation and outlined new measures aimed at supporting high school students as the academic year begins.

According to a statement from the Board, all high school students will participate in lessons focused on safety, empowerment, and community on Thursday, September 4. These lessons were developed in collaboration with the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center and the district’s Student Services department. The district is sharing these lesson materials in advance with parents and caregivers to encourage review and discussion at home.

Staff expectations are also being reinforced, particularly around maintaining professional boundaries and using only district-approved communication platforms for interactions with students. This applies to all staff, including those involved with athletic teams and clubs. The district has reiterated mandatory reporter responsibilities among high school staff.

The Board confirmed that it has hired an independent investigator to conduct an employment investigation into whether any employees failed to fulfill their duties. "As noted in our August 15 statement, the Board has hired an independent investigator to conduct an employment investigation. This investigator has the authority to interview any staff member and review any documentation deemed relevant for the investigation," according to the Board’s announcement.

Following a recent meeting with the Sun Prairie Police Department, the investigator is now moving forward with interviews of witnesses and staff members. "Once the investigation is complete, the Board will be informed of the results and will share as much information as possible with the community while following all legal requirements," said the Board.

The statement also notes that some staff members have been placed on administrative leave based on current information available to district leadership. "It is possible that during investigations (both criminal and employment), an employee may be placed on administrative leave to preserve operational integrity while law enforcement, the district, or both conduct their investigations," reads part of the communication.

The district emphasized its continued cooperation with law enforcement authorities: "Please also know that we continue to cooperate fully with the Sun Prairie Police Department’s criminal investigation. If you have any information to share, we encourage you to contact the police department directly."

In addition, updates have been made to frequently asked questions on the district’s website. Topics addressed include distinctions between employment and criminal investigations, definitions of administrative leave, background check procedures, and qualifications for serving as Dean of Students without a teaching license.

"We are grateful for your partnership as we begin this new school year. Thank you for your continued engagement with the Board during this time. We remain committed to giving this matter the attention that it deserves," concluded statements from members of both administration and board leadership.