MILWAUKEE, Wis–Three former Oconto Falls High School students are suing the district claiming administrators failed to stop teachers from engaging in sexually-predatory actions.
Amanda Watzka, Brooke LaCount, and Grace Williams filed suit in federal court, with Attorney Larry Disparti alleging that district officials were told of incidents involving inappropriate contact between at least three teachers and students between 2010 and 2018, but took no disciplinary action. ……………….
Attorney Cass Casper says there are more victims just coming forward………..
Watzka says they are coming forward now to put an end to the practice…………
One of those teachers, Brynn Larsen, was found guilty of Third Degree Sexual Assault in 2021, and was sentenced to two years in prison. Another, Gayle Gander, is facing multiple charges that were filed against him last year.
The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages.
The Oconto Falls School District has issued a statement denying the claims and pointing out that reports of sexual abuse were referred to law enforcement.
“Oconto Falls School District staff and parents of current students were notified today that three former students filed a lawsuit against the District pertaining to allegations involving misconduct against them by two former school district employees. The allegations of misconduct by these two former school district employees were previously reported to the District, investigated by the District, and referred to law enforcement. One of the former employees has already been convicted and sentenced to prison for her actions.
“Plaintiffs threatened to sue the District and made substantial monetary demands in August 2025. Since August, the District has responded to plaintiffs and their attorney to recognize the wrongs by these two former employees, but also to help them understand that the District took prompt action when it was made aware of the misconduct. The District is confident that its past actions and its response to Plaintiffs’ demands have satisfied its duty to keep its students and schools safe. By working with law enforcement, the District has addressed each of these situations.
“Plaintiffs’ allegations in their complaint about other staff and other students have also been investigated by the District. The District’s staff of excellent professional educators strive every day to deliver a great educational experience for all students. This is not diminished by the inexcusable actions of these identified former employees. In every instance in which the District became aware of allegations against an individual, definitive action has been taken.
“The District is not able to comment further on the details of this lawsuit as it is an ongoing matter. The District remains confident, however, that it will continue to act promptly to any allegations of misconduct.”
