The superintendent of Pikeland Community Unit School District Number 10 has confirmed that a former district employee is no longer employed by the school system as police continue investigating allegations involving inappropriate conversations with students.
Superintendent Dr. Russ Tepen issued a public statement Thursday after questions were raised on social media by the parent of a fifth-grade student who said his child reported repeated inappropriate sexual comments allegedly made by a member of the district’s janitorial staff. The parent also alleged the employee instructed students not to discuss the conversations with others.
According to parent Cody Redman’s public Facebook post on June 23, he reported the allegations to school officials approximately six weeks ago, prompting interviews with students and notification of law enforcement. The parent said he and his family have become frustrated by what they describe as a lack of communication regarding the status of the investigation and called for greater transparency from school officials, law enforcement and prosecutors.
Superindent Tepen said the district is limited by confidentiality requirements but confirmed that “the individual involved is no longer an employee of the District.” Tepen also said it is the district’s understanding that police are investigating the reported conduct, but he said the district cannot comment on the investigation or any related legal proceedings.
Redman told Muddy River News that his decision to speak publicly came after unsuccessful attempts to obtain updates from school officials and the Pike County State’s Attorney’s Office. He said his goal is to raise awareness and ensure that families are informed, while acknowledging that any investigation should be completed before conclusions are reached.
As of Friday, no criminal charges had been announced in connection with the investigation. Neither the Pittsfield Police Department nor the Pike County State’s Attorney’s Office has publicly released additional information.