KDSN RADIO News
Harlan Middle School Teacher Resigning Amid State Investigation
The Superintendent for the Harlan Community School District issued a statement Monday about the investigation of a long-term substitute teacher.
Sixth-grade social studies teacher Eric Robert Croghan is on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation.
The middle school principal sent a notice to parents Friday afternoon that Croghan would be instructing at Harlan Community Middle School. It was later reported that the State of Iowa opened the case against Croghan in Pottawattamie County.
Harlan Superintendent Jenny Barnett issued a statement that says “The teacher has since submitted a resignation for all teaching and coaching positions within the District and the board will be acting on that resignation at a special meeting this week.”
The board meeting is set for Tuesday night at 5:15 p.m.
The school board approved Croghan as the 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach and Middle School Girls’ Cross Country Coach in 2019.
Barnett says the district’s top priority is the safety and well-being of students and it is cooperating fully with law enforcement. You can read her full statement below.
“We are writing to inform you of an incident related to a district middle school teacher. Late last week officials were first made aware of concerns and allegations being investigated by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation regarding the employee and related to professional and illegal misconduct. Upon receiving this report, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave pending further investigation by DCI as well as the District. The teacher has since submitted a resignation for all teaching and coaching positions within the District and the board will be acting on that resignation at a special meeting this week. While these allegations are certainly troubling, please know the safety and well-being of our students is always the District’s top priority. The District is continuing to cooperate fully with DCI and law enforcement throughout their investigation. If you have questions or seek additional information, please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office or Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation."
