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Harlan CSD Superintendent statement on DCI investigation

News

February 27th, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Harlan, Iowa) – The Superintendent for the Harlan Community School District has issued a statement with regard to an investigation into the alleged activities of a substitute teacher. Late last week, it was reported the Harlan Community Schools sixth-grade social studies teacher Eric Robert Croghan has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

The State of Iowa opened a case in Pottawattamie County Friday against Croghan, Case number 04781 SWMG178957.
Middle School Principal Bill Mueller sent a notice to parents Friday afternoon to inform them a long-term substitute teacher will be instructing sixth-grade social studies at Harlan Community Middle School. In 2019, the Harlan School Board approved Croghan as the 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Coach and Middle School Girls Cross Country Coach.
This (Monday) afternoon HSCD Superintendent Jenny Barnett issued a follow-up statement saying “We are writing to inform you of an incident related to a district middle school teacher. Late last week officials were first made aware of concerns and allegations being investigated by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation regarding the employee and related to professional and illegal misconduct.

Upon receiving this report, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave pending further investigation by DCI as well as the District. The teacher has since submitted a resignation for all teaching and coaching positions within the District and the board will be acting on that resignation at a special meeting this week.
While these allegations are certainly troubling, please know the safety and well-being of our students is always the District’s top priority. The District is continuing to cooperate fully with DCI and law enforcement throughout their investigation.If you have questions or seek additional information, please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office or Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.