Wednesday, April 2nd 2014, 7:34 pm
An elementary school teacher is suspended following multiple accusations of inappropriately touching students.
The allegations against sixth grade teacher Glenn Ronning surfaced last month in the wake of a class party, leading prosecutors to file criminal charges against the 46 year-old. Three students – two of them 12 years old, the other 11 -- claim Ronning acted inappropriately in the classroom.
"I just don't think that's right," said one Macomb parent. "Where do we draw the line?"
The case frustrated this mother enough to speak out but she asked to remain anonymous in order to protect her children from possible retaliation at Macomb Public Schools.
Court documents show the school district contacted investigators when the three students complained that Ronning kissed them on the cheek, touched at least one of them on the inner thigh, and swatted them on the butt - playfully.
"It seems they are scraping the bottom for teachers," said the parent.
In addition to fondling the 12 year-olds, Ronning is also accused of telling a student she was beautiful, complimenting her figure, and offering to date her. And there's more: one student claims Ronning also invited her to spend the night at his house.
"Why is it, time and time again, these teachers are being hired?" the frustrated mother asked. "Why is it this keeps happening in this school district?"
The mother claims that just last year a Macomb High School teacher resigned following similar allegations, and she says she's aware of at least four other Macomb teachers who have been investigated in the last five years for allegedly crossing the line with students.
"Something needs to be done," she said. "Are they not checking their backgrounds? Are they not watching them?"
In a statement, Macomb Schools Superintendent Matthew Riggs defended the district saying, "Macomb Public Schools cannot comment on personnel or student issues specifically. I can however state that student safety and well-being is our top concern at Macomb Public Schools. We investigate thoroughly and take seriously any allegations we receive."
Ronning is reportedly on suspension during an investigation. A hearing to consider Ronning's possible termination is set for April 28.
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