HUDSON, Wis. — A teacher in Hudson, Wisconsin has resigned after being criminally charged for reportedly having inappropriate contact with one of her students.
During a meeting of the Hudson School Board Monday night, board members discussed a personnel package that included the resignation tendered by fifth-grade teacher Madison Bergmann. Bergman was removed from her classroom at River Crest Elementary and arrested on May 1 after a parent of one of her students informed district officials about alleged contact between the teacher and their son.
In a criminal complaint subsequently charging Bergmann with first-degree child sexual assault, prosecutors say a text exchange details how the 24-year-old teacher enjoyed the fifth-grade student touching her, and the two "making out." Police also found handwritten notes between the two in Bergmann's purse.
At Monday night's meeting Andrea Voelker, Human Resources Director for the Hudson School District, told the board that Bergmann and another teacher who may or may not be associated with the case were being paid while on administrative leave as investigations by both law enforcement and the district played out. She urged that their resignations be accepted.
"It's certainly one of the reasons for us recommending the adoption of acceptance of the resignations is to have the closure for the students, staff and families impacted," Voelker stated. "Also, it's to stop paying salaries towards these people. The costs associated with a long termination process would be significant."
Board member Lynn Robson expressed concerns that the district could have legal liability if Bergmann applied for another job and the district was asked for a reference. Voelker assured her that the state of Wisconsin has a specific state statute protecting districts from legal action in cases like this that allows them to provide a "truthful" reference.
"Essentially, immunity as long as what we speak is the truth," Voelker said.
With no further discussion, the board then voted to approve the personnel package on the docket, which includes accepting the resignations of Bergmann and the other teacher.
Voelker emphasized that accepting the resignations has no impact on the investigations being conducted by Hudson police and the school district, assuring board members both will continue.
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