When a community entrusts its children to a school, it isn’t just signing a permission slip for education; it is entering into a profound pact of trust. That trust was shaken on March 11 when Alec B. Johnson, a first-grade teacher at Medary Elementary School, was arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Now that the Brookings School Board has officially terminated Johnson’s contract, the community is left with a void of information that is being filled by speculation and anxiety. While the legal system and school district have their protocols, the current wall of silence regarding the nature of this case is a disservice to the public.
The limits of ‘personnel policy’
In the wake of Johnson’s termination, the school district has retreated behind a familiar shield: “It is against district policy to comment on personnel issues.”
While privacy laws exist for a reason, they were never intended to act as a permanent gag order in matters involving the alleged delinquency of minors.
• The timeline: Johnson was placed on leave on March 2, nine days before his arrest. This suggests the district was aware of a significant issue well before the police intervened.
• The charge: “Contributing to the delinquency of a minor” is a broad misdemeanor. Without context, parents are left to wonder if the alleged acts occurred on school grounds, during school hours, or involved students.
By refusing to provide even a general framework of the situation, the district isn’t just protecting a former employee’s privacy — it’s withholding information that allows parents to assess the safety of their own children.
A duty to the public
Police Chief Michael Drake has also cited an “ongoing investigation” as a reason for the lack of specifics. While we respect the integrity of the legal process, the public interest in this case is paramount. Johnson was a first-grade teacher — a role that carries immense authority over our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
Transparency is not the enemy of justice. In fact, openness often:
• Quashes rumors: In the absence of facts, the “grapevine” creates versions of events that are often much worse than reality.
• Validates safety: If the district can confirm that no students were harmed or that the incident was unrelated to school activities, they should do so immediately to restore peace of mind.
• Ensures accountability: Sunlight is the best disinfectant. The public deserves to know if the systems meant to vet and monitor educators functioned correctly.
The bottom line
The Brookings School District and the Brookings Police Department have a responsibility to be more than just “aware” of the charges; they have a responsibility to be accountable to the taxpayers and parents who fund and rely on them.
We aren’t asking for a violation of due process. We are asking for the transparency required to maintain a safe, trusting environment for our children. It is time for the district to step out from behind the “personnel matter” script and give this community the clarity it deserves.
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