An eighth grade social studies teacher at Chiddix Junior High School in Normal is on paid leave as Normal Police investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct with a student at the school.
The Normal Police Department confirmed an investigation into alleged misconduct by Brandon Knapp on Monday. Knapp is the second Chiddix teacher under investigation by police in recent weeks.
“It is still an active investigation,” said NPD spokesperson Brad Park, “and it appears the reports will be forwarded to the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office for review in the near future.”
Unit 5 placed Knapp on leave in mid-November, when a Department of Children and Family Services [DCFS] investigation began regarding allegations involving one of his students, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. An official with Chiddix called DCFS on Nov. 18, five days after the initial complaint was filed with district administrators, the source said.
Knapp returned to the classroom after a brief absence, according to multiple sources, and was placed back on leave on Jan. 16.
WGLT confirmed DCFS issued a report earlier this year which found credible evidence that sexual exploitation and sexual molestation had occurred. The report does not confirm whether physical contact took place. DCFS does not prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
A spokesperson for Unit 5 confirmed Knapp is currently on paid leave. The district did not answer questions about the previous paid leave or the DCFS investigation.
Regarding the five day delay, a spokesperson for Unit 5 said, “any time we receive a complaint or concern from a student it is investigated.
“Reports are made to DCFS when there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. There was an initial investigation and additional information was shared five days later that prompted a call to DCFS.”
The parent of a student in Knapp's class said students were temporarily placed in another classroom and have since been assigned a substitute teacher.
A Jan. 27 email to parents in Knapp's class said Knapp “will be out of the classroom for the foreseeable future.” Another teacher has been assigned as a “long-term substitute” for his eighth-grade courses, the email said.
Knapp was the first of two Chiddix instructors known to have been placed on paid administrative leave in recent weeks. Andrew “Drew” Miller, a seventh grade teacher and track and field coach, was placed on leave last week after Bloomington Police executed a search warrant for Miller’s classroom and home.
Knapp did not respond to an emailed request for comment. Unit 5 confirmed he's been employed by the district since August 2006.
