A Glen Lake teacher has resigned in the midst of an investigation pertaining to student privacy issues.
Glen Lake Community Schools Superintendent Jason Misner sent an email to parents Monday announcing the resignation of Glen Lake 6-12 band director Eli George.
“The safety of our students and school community is always our top priority here at Glen Lake Community Schools. We strive to ensure our school buildings are places where students feel safe, welcomed, and comfortable so that they can learn and thrive,” Misner said in the email to families. “This communication is to inform you that grades 6-12 band director Mr. Eli George, has resigned his position at Glen Lake Community Schools.”
Misner continued to say that the resignation takes place in the midst of a current investigation pertaining to potential privacy violations with students. Glen Lake received an allegation that George was capturing pictures of students without their consent in the classroom.
“We quickly began an investigation in partnership with local law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of our students. We have communicated with all families that this may potentially involve,” Misner said.
At the time George resigned, Glen Lake had no evidence that students were endangered, according to the email. Misner declined to comment further.
The Glen Lake Teachers Federation President Amber Turner declined to comment “as this inquiry pertains to an ongoing investigation as well as we want to be respectful to our students and staff privacy.” Leelanau Sheriff Mike Borkovich confirmed Tuesday that his office received a complaint and an investigation is underway.
“There is no validity (to the complaint) until the investigation is completed,” Borkovich said.
George has been at Glen Lake for four years. He is a native of Marysville, graduated from Alma College and was immediately tasked with taking over a band program that was nonexistent for several years.
