(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Paddock Lake, Wis. — A counselor at Westosha Central High School is currently on leave, and parents are once again demanding transparency from school leadership. Kenosha County Eye has confirmed through multiple sources that the counselor is accused of inappropriate communication with a student.
According to individuals familiar with the situation, the counselor allegedly used his or her personal cellphone to communicate with a student and is also believed to have given the student a ride to school on at least one occasion. The school district has not confirmed these details.
Kenosha County Eye is not naming the counselor at this time, unless he or she resigns, is terminated, or is formally disciplined. Neither the Sheriff’s Department, nor the Kenosha Police Department have any ongoing criminal investigations regarding this counselor.
District Administrator John Gendron confirmed that the counselor is on leave but declined to provide any further information. The district has not disclosed whether an investigation is underway or whether any policy violations are suspected. The incident has renewed concerns among families already frustrated with how the district handles complaints and sensitive issues.
Title IX Complaint Still Under Review
In March, the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) filed a federal Title IX complaint against the district, accusing school officials of discriminating against female students. The complaint centers on the district’s decision to allow a biologically male student, identifying as transgender, to use the girls’ locker room.
According to the complaint, several female students reported feeling uncomfortable and unsafe but were told by school staff that excluding the male student would be considered “bullying.” Some students received academic penalties for avoiding the locker room, including unexcused absences and a failing grade in gym class.
Despite concerns raised by multiple parents in December, the district told families there had been “no reports of inappropriate locker room behaviors.” One parent later received separate written confirmation that the male student would no longer be allowed in the girls’ locker room. However, according to the complaint, the student was seen there again after winter break and allegedly directed a vulgar comment at one of the girls who had objected to his presence.
The complaint argues that the district’s actions meet the legal threshold for sex-based discrimination under Title IX. It is currently under review by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
Growing Frustration Over Lack of Communication
The district has yet to provide any public explanation regarding the counselor’s leave or address growing frustration from families who feel shut out of decisions affecting student safety and privacy.
Kenosha County Eye will continue to monitor both the Title IX complaint and the situation involving the counselor. The counselor’s name will not be published unless he or she resigns, is terminated, or receives formal discipline.
22 Responses
If he has a penis, isn’t he a male?
Yes.
Who knows these days—maybe?
“District Administrator John Gendron confirmed that the counselor is on leave “
It’s disappointing Gendron is not more forthcoming in regards to an investigation or if it’s a violation of policy. Definitely against policy !!!
Because what he’s done is left it hanging out there even though people closer to the school I’m sure know who and what and when and where.
True a person can be on leave for personal reasons, but it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for a counselor to take time off of school with only seven weeks left.
Looking at three months of summertime leave , why is this person not at work now?
Title IX and other laws prevent the release of more details on such cases.
He should be — when the time is right.
It’s inconvenient, but I think a little too much anger is being directed at the person who is following the laws regarding giving out information instead of at the one who is apparently not following the laws regarding minor children. I’ve never met either one, but I know which one I’m concerned about…
I encourage anybody with more details to contact Kevin, anonymously if you have to.
The more details this website can verify for the community, the better off we all are.
Well when you let men lotion their sack in front of girls, isn’t this just more of the same bs? It seems this school has some real issues, how can anyone have any confidence in Westosha and trust the school with their kids?
They must not, thank goodness Salem lost the school referendum.
The high school and K-8 are two separate entities with no connection. Saying you are relieved Salem K-8 lost a referendum has absolutely nothing to do with anything happening at Central High School. Don’t bring another district into this mess when they have nothing to do with it.
Calm your tits, Karen
I’m going to play devil’s advocate for a moment. In this case, maybe the school official feels he’s damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t. The suspension may have resulted from a complaint or issue that, if sustainable, would justify sanctions. On the other hand, if it turns out to be false or unable to be proven, then public disclosure may damage the aggrieved employee and and set up a lawsuit against the district. And along the same lines Kevin is right to sit on it until there is more information.
It’ll never end until parents get their kids out of these places.
Wilmot ….. now this place …… and before that ….
Get your kids out of public school yesterday.
KUSD is probably chomping at the bit to hire this counselor.
I bet you would hire him for yourself. You seem very petty and fetish
And you seem blind and ignorant. Being a liberal must be exhausting.
That whole district is a shit show, run by a FIB
Don’t ruin a persons life before you know the facts and I would not rely on the truth from Gerndren.
Update?
First John Gendron is a pillar to the community. He is an adovcate to many young students and was a coach on numerous youth sport and guided many children. He has duty to the law first.
He his a recepient of the Milken Award!
Sencond, no male, transgender or othrwise should be allowed in a felmale locker room and any other facilities for you females. School is for education only! Not social issues. Students should be assigned to the locker room with the anatomy they were born with until they have a sex change after they are 18 years of age. There should be absolute. There should be no gray area inthis whatsoever.