A teacher in Joliet resigned in December 2023 after an internal investigation found he poked, tickled and made inappropriate comments — both in person and in text messages — toward female high school students about their physical appearances.

The Office of Public Instruction became aware of the situation in May 2025 and received the educator’s surrendered teaching license in August. OPI argues the school should have notified the state sooner and alleges the district's decision to not immediately notify the department was based on “faulty legal advice."

Members of Montana’s Board of Public Education expressed concern the district didn’t follow protocol when reporting the resignation and surrendered teacher license.

“It puts our students in danger,” Member Ron Slinger said during the boar

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