Chiddix Junior High School

A powerful teachers' union and Illinois law put up many barriers to firing tenured teachers, even ones with documented patterns of alleged misconduct.

A review of dozens of emails and other documents revealed siloed information sharing which kept Unit 5 from knowing what law enforcement and child welfare officials knew about its employees, even when it involved students in their care.

A judge said there was "no doubt" the state had met its burden of proof that Chiddix teacher Andrew "Drew" Miller poses a threat to society and should be detained. Miller has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Appearing in McLean County court on Thursday afternoon, Andrew "Drew" Miller, 40, of Normal, waived his right to a speedy determination about whether he’ll be detained awaiting trial on 42 felony counts.

Police spokesperson Bryce Janssen said a warrant was issued for Andrew “Drew” Miller, 40, of Normal following a grand jury indictment on Wednesday morning. Officers from the department’s street crimes unit pulled Miller over at a traffic stop at Hamilton Road and Bunn Street. He was taken into custody at 1:12 p.m.

The school district requested a change of venue to a federal court in Peoria. Angela Sutton claims administrators repeatedly ignored concerns about her transgender child being bullied at school.

McLean County prosecutors said Friday that a 43-year-old Unit 5 junior high school teacher made sexually suggestive remarks to a 13-year-old girl last year. He faces charges of grooming.

Normal Police say Brandon Knapp, 43, of Hudson, was indicted Wednesday by a McLean County grand jury. Knapp, who taught at Chiddix Junior High School in Normal, was placed on paid leave in January as police investigated reports of alleged misconduct.

Some parents of Chiddix Junior High students want school administrators to share more information about two teachers who have been removed from the classroom.

In an email to parents, Mariana Nicasio said her leaving is unrelated to turmoil at the school while two teachers are on leave for alleged misconduct.