KAUKAUNA, Wis. — The Kaukauna Area School Board does not take action against a principal accused of sexual misconduct at a previous job. Board members reached that decision following a lengthy closed session discussion about River View Middle School Principal Lucas Cromell Monday night.
Cromell, who previously served as a teacher and administrator in the Oconto Falls School District, is named in a federal lawsuit against the district over sexual misconduct by employees.
According to the complaint, Cromell sent inappropriate messages to students and talked with female staff members about sex acts. During public comment, Drew Pavlovich of Kaukauna said the matter sheds a negative light on the community……….
School Board President Chris Bouressa says they don’t have solid evidence of any prior misconduct…….
In an email sent to families earlier this month, Kaukauna officials said Cromell passed the district’s screening process and has “consistently conducted himself in a professional and ethical manner.”
(Screenshot of KASD email)
The Kaukauna Area School District released the following statement on Tuesday:
The Kaukauna Area School District is aware of allegations made in a 2026 federal civil complaint filed against the Board of Education of the Oconto Falls Public School District. The complaint includes allegations involving current River View Middle School Principal, Luke Cromell, that span from 2012-2016 when he was employed by the Oconto Falls Public School District.
The Kaukauna Area School District understands the concern that parents, staff, and community members may have regarding the allegations described in the civil complaint. The District recognizes the seriousness of these concerns and the importance of responding thoughtfully, thoroughly, and in accordance with its responsibilities to students, staff, and our school community.
When the District first learned that Mr. Cromell had been named in the civil complaint, District Administration promptly initiated a personnel review. As part of that review, Administration re-examined the District’s hiring process related to Mr. Cromell, including the third-party background check and reference checks conducted when he was hired by the Kaukauna Area School District. The District’s review found no information in those background or reference checks related to misconduct or to the allegations described in the complaint. The District can also confirm that, during Mr. Cromell’s 10 years of employment with the District, it has not received any complaints alleging misconduct.
In addition to the personnel review, the District, in consultation with outside legal counsel, evaluated the information currently available concerning the allegations in the Oconto Falls Public School District civil complaint. Based on the information available to the District at this time, the review has not identified evidence that substantiates the allegations. The District recognizes that questions and concerns may remain, and it will continue to carefully evaluate any additional information that becomes available.
The District is required to follow all legal requirements and established procedures when considering administrative leave or other employment action. Based on the personnel review and the information currently available related to the Oconto Falls civil complaint, Administration has not identified a sufficient basis to place Mr. Cromell on administrative leave or take other adverse employment action at this time. The District understands that members of the school community may have different perspectives or concerns regarding this determination. At the same time, the District has a responsibility to make employment decisions based on evidence, applicable law, and established procedures, while maintaining a fair and impartial process.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain the District’s highest priorities. Equally important, the District wants students, employees, families, and community members to feel comfortable bringing forward concerns or information they believe the District should be aware of. Any information received will be taken seriously, treated respectfully, and evaluated in accordance with established procedures. The District remains committed to maintaining a safe environment and to handling this matter with the seriousness, fairness, and care it deserves.”
