Oconto Falls schools accused of ignoring abuse by 12 staff; board says it isn't liable
Former students sued the Oconto Falls Public School District in federal court in March 2026, alleging that for decades administrators and board members knew of staff sexual misconduct and showed deliberate indifference. By July the complaint had seven plaintiffs, 19 sworn affidavits and 12 named staff, Wisconsin Watch reported. Former teacher Brynn Larsen pleaded no contest to sexual assault of a student in 2021; Gayle Gander was charged in January 2026 with 11 felonies and awaits trial; David Heisel was never charged because of the statute of limitations and surrendered his license in March 2026. Nine other named staff have not been charged. On May 11 the school board moved to dismiss the suit with prejudice, arguing a district is not liable for an individual employee's misconduct. The district says it met its duty to keep students safe. No ruling has been reported.
In the context of sexual misconduct, a school district is not liable for the bad actor's conduct.
This motion is a tactic that ignores the reality of the trauma endured by these students.
Says its motion only addresses whether the district can be financially liable for individual employees, who should face job loss and charges.
Said plaintiffs have made 'substantial monetary demands' since August 2025 and referred questions to the district's attorney.
No outcome recorded yet.