OCONTO FALLS, WI- Three former students have filed a federal lawsuit against the Oconto Falls Public School District, alleging the district failed to act to prevent sexually predatory behavior by staff members at Oconto Falls High School.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, claims school officials allowed a pattern of teacher-student grooming, sexual conduct and abuse to occur over a period of at least 15 years. The complaint identifies eight current or former district employees who the plaintiffs claim were part of a culture that allowed inappropriate relationships with students to continue without intervention.
The three plaintiffs, Amanda Watzka, Brooke LaCount and Grace Williams, say they were groomed and abused by school staff members between 2010 and 2018. Their attorney says the lawsuit aims to bring cultural change within the district and raise awareness about grooming and abuse in schools.
One former staff member named in the case, Brynn Larsen, previously served two years in prison after pleading no contest in 2021 to sexual assault involving one of the plaintiffs. Another former teacher, Gayle Gander, is currently awaiting trial after being charged with inappropriate sexual conduct involving multiple students.
The lawsuit also alleges that school officials were aware of warning signs and complaints involving inappropriate relationships but failed to take action to protect students. One plaintiff claims several staff members observed or had knowledge of a teacher’s inappropriate relationship with her years ago but no criminal charges were filed at the time.
The women say they only recently realized the full scope of what they describe as widespread grooming and abuse within the school, which led them to pursue legal action. They are seeking financial compensation as well as policy changes that would require stronger training for school staff to recognize warning signs of grooming and abuse.
In a statement, the Oconto Falls School District said the allegations involving former employees were previously reported, investigated and referred to law enforcement. The district said it took prompt action when it became aware of misconduct and remains confident it fulfilled its responsibility to keep students safe.
Comments