Parents and staff press Perrysburg Exempted Village board over alleged teacher misconduct; district outlines reporting, investigation steps

Several parents, staff members and former students told the Perrysburg Exempted Village Board of Education on Jan. 23 that the district failed to respond adequately to allegations of misconduct by a Perrysburg High School employee.

The speakers urged faster, clearer action and better support for victims. In response, Board President Susan Roland Miller said the district had ordered an outside investigation, notified local authorities and set up dedicated reporting channels for anyone with information.

The concerns surfaced during the board's public-comment period. Melissa Malloy, who identified herself as “witness 4,” said she had been harmed in high school and described a long recovery. “I finally get that chance. I'm standing in a staff meeting, and I hear someone else in my situation,” Malloy said. “Do not fail me now.”

Other speakers described separate reports they said had been made earlier and said some reports appeared not to have been acted on. Derek Zylka said that “John Henline's misconduct that has been permitted for decades is deeply troubling,” and called for accountability from administrators he named in his remarks.

Board President Susan Roland Miller read a prepared statement addressing the comments and outlining the district response. Miller said the district had retained outside counsel, would strengthen training for staff, and would review administrative actions taken in earlier cases. “Our schools must be a place where children feel safe and supported and respected,” she said.

Miller said the district had taken these steps in the most recent case: placing the staff member on administrative leave, conferring with local law enforcement and county child-protective services, reporting to the State Board of Education, and retaining outside investigators. The district told the board it had accepted the employee's resignation, effective in three weeks, and the employee will remain out of school until that date.

The board and administration also announced two reporting channels intended to make it easier to report concerns: a dedicated email address, report@perrysburgschools.net, and a voicemail extension (the district number, 419-874-9131, then enter extension 2800). Miller said messages left at those contacts will be forwarded to the board president, the director of student services and well-being, and the executive director of human resources.

Miller said the district would work with the retained law firm and would provide mandatory training for administrators and staff at the high school that will include Title IX procedures, mandatory reporting obligations and recognizing grooming behaviors. She also said the board is reviewing whether prior administrative actions met district expectations under the Ohio Revised Code and board policy.

Superintendent Hasler told the board that early the morning after a podcast alleging historical misconduct was released, he had shared the information with the local police chief and other officials to ensure local authorities were aware.

Speakers at the meeting repeatedly asked the board to explain past handling of reports, to ensure the district seeks revocation of any professional licenses where appropriate, and to provide clearer communications to families about what has been investigated and what steps the district will take going forward. Board members said they will request additional recommendations from the superintendent and continue work with outside counsel.

The board urged anyone with information to use the new reporting channels or to contact local law enforcement or SAFE school tips as appropriate.

The board did not take a formal disciplinary vote during the Jan. 23 meeting; the actions described by the board president (placing the staff member on leave, retaining outside counsel, accepting a resignation) were described as administrative actions already taken or in process.