Sheriff’s Office investigating ‘unprofessional conduct’ at WIC

           By Allison Joy
IRON RIVER — The Iron County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident in relation to a teacher’s conduct at West Iron County School District, Sheriff Ryan Boehmhke confirmed to the Reporter on Jan. 12. 
    With rumors circling, WIC Superintendent Kevin Schmutzler issued a statement via the school’s website the same evening. 
    According to Schmutzler, “upon learning of an allegation of unprofessional conduct,” the administration opened an  investigation and ultimately contacted both the Sheriff’s Office as well as Michigan State Police. 
    According to MSP, the investigation is being handled “entirely by the Iron County Sheriff’s Office.” 
    It’s not clear what exactly happened, when the matter oc-curred, was discovered by the school or when it was referred to police. Boehmke declined to share when the investigation had been opened. 
    Before WIC administration could conclude its own investigation, the teacher in question resigned on Jan. 4, according to Schmutzler. Up until that point, the teacher had been on paid administrative leave since the school opened its investigation.  “School officials cannot share further details due to the active investigation by law enforcement and the privacy rights of all parties involved,” Schmutlzer’s statement read.
    Boehmke stated that his office would not be releasing any in-formation until the “open and ongoing investigation” was completed. 
    Schmutzler’s statement urged parents to contact the school for help with their child’s social or emotional wellbeing. “We have a variety of supports in place and available for our students,” Schmutzler’s statement concluded. He declined to elaborate on what those support methods look like.