Curmudgeon's Corner

Village Buzz - April 19th

Posted by Al Campbell on April 19, 2012

Village Buzz, Education, Germantown

The news reports concerning a Germantown teacher arrested by Milwaukee Police but who had not yet been charged made me step back and take a deep breath.  My first reaction was “I hope there is nothing to this but the District has already conducted an investigation” according to the reports.  I know that these kinds of things go on but don’t want to think they can be happening in Germantown.

There appears to be smoke enough that fire has to be considered.  Had there been nothing to this, there would not have been a suspension and an arrest so far.  The student is reported to be 17 years old and there is some question as to ‘consent’ at that age in Wisconsin.

Other reports have quoted people as saying this doesn’t sound like the _______ I know.

The best thing that can happen at this point is a public announcement as soon as that is appropriate, since speculation will continue and tends to feed on itself.  I would be surprised if there were as many as a handful of students who still aren’t aware of the teacher’s name; there is nothing to be gained by waiting but that is hinging on actual charges being brought according to all reports.

One way or another, the reality is that lives are being affected; some more than others.  That is impossible to avoid.  The student will suffer every day she remains in high school and the episode will follow her for a long time to come.  The teacher (whom I sincerely and earnestly hope and pray is not married) will be forever tarnished.  Maybe rightly so since these kinds of allegations have a terrible impact on institutions in which we need to have trust.

I am reminded of a couple of things: 

There was a similar occurrence in my high school involving a very pretty young lady and one of her teachers.  We all suspected that there was something going on.  This was in a time when there were not so many rules and regulations about such issues.  The teacher ended up leaving the system and the two ended up marrying and having a family together.

I had the opportunity to spend part of a day a term or two ago at our high school with the then School Resource Officer.  I was amazed at the sexuality on regular display as people moved from one class to another when the bell had rung.  I am, admittedly, an old fogy, but I was simply astounded at the parading.  Add to that young, good-looking teachers, and there is certainly a possibility that something would be kindled.  I know that the District does everything it can to preclude such issues, but no one and no institution has the ability to fully control such things.

I hope for everyone’s sake that all this can be put behind us sooner rather than later.  And yes, I’m sorry to admit…I am anxious to learn who is involved, too.