Parents and board members press L'Anse Creuse for action after teacher's social posts; board cites due process, schedules legal review

Multiple parents and community members told the L'Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education that a district teacher’s public social media posts have created a hostile environment for families and students, and several asked the district to take disciplinary action or remove the teacher as homecoming grand marshal.

The comments came during the public comment portion of the board meeting, when speakers cited screenshots and quoted posts they described as “disparaging,” “derogatory” and “divisive.” The board moved into closed session later in the evening to receive legal advice and review the matter, and one board member publicly said they believe disciplinary action — including placing the employee on leave pending investigation — is warranted.

Why it matters: Speakers said the posts undercut trust between families and schools and risked students’ sense of safety. Board members and the superintendent said they needed to follow established complaint and personnel procedures and would weigh legal counsel and due process before any disciplinary steps.

At the meeting, community member Jody Lesinski described social-media posts she said were “disparaging and insulting” to community members and asked whether the conduct violated district policies forbidding staff activities that “have an adverse impact on the district, students, or other staff members.” Resident Kristen Carson said she had been told by parents about classroom incidents and called for the board to “address this issue.” Alicia Childers, speaking later in public comment, urged the board to “formally review this matter and ensure accountability.”

Board members responded during board comment. Board member (name given in the meeting as) Mr. Sellers said he “believe[s] that disciplinary action is warranted” and that “at the very least this employee should be placed on leave pending an investigation.” Superintendent Keith Howell said personnel matters must be handled through the district’s established protocols, that the board would review a legal opinion on the matter in closed session and that he would follow due process procedures.

How the board acted: The board voted multiple times during the meeting to enter closed session. One motion described the closed session as being “pursuant to section 8(1)(b) of the Open Meetings Act” (the provision the board read aloud) for student-discipline matters where a student or parent has requested a closed hearing; on a separate motion the board also entered closed session to receive attorney-client legal counsel. The board did not announce public disciplinary decisions about the teacher during the open session.

Quotes: "This behavior directly violates board policies on social media conduct, anti-harassment and bullying," Alicia Childers said during public comment. "I believe that disciplinary action is warranted. And I believe that at the very least this employee should be placed on leave pending an investigation," Mr. Sellers said during board comment. "We have to make sure that we're handling things through established protocols and process," Superintendent Keith Howell said when responding to public comment.

What remains unresolved: Speakers demanded specific outcomes — removal from the homecoming grand marshal role and public denouncements — but the board emphasized it would follow established personnel complaint procedures and legal guidance. Board members asked the superintendent to report back to the board after the district’s review and any personnel actions.

Context: Several speakers tied their calls for action to district policy language read aloud earlier in the meeting stating staff must maintain high professional standards. Some public commenters invoked the Michigan Code of Educational Ethics and district anti-bullying and social-media rules when urging a formal response. The board reiterated the need to protect employees’ due-process rights while investigating complaints.

Ending: The board’s next steps are to complete the legal review and the district’s investigatory process; the meeting record shows the board entered and exited closed session to receive legal counsel before adjourning.