The band director at at a north suburban high school was fired Monday night, accused of having an inappropriate physical relationship with an 18-year-old student when she attended the school several years ago.
Community High School District 128 Supt. Prentiss Lea said the district is also seeking to revoke the teaching credentials of Jeff Daeschler through the Illinois State Board of Education, the Lake County News-Sun reported.
The district said the student was 18 years old at the time of the alleged relationship. Daeschler became band director in 2010.
Lea said the decision to dismiss Daeschler was based "on the weight and validity of investigative evidence."
"I think there should be more education about authority figures who take advantage of -- even if this girl was 18 years old," said a parent named Connie.
Libertyville High School graduate David Butler had a different opinion.
"You kind of have some conflicts there with it being a student-teacher relationship, but if it's outside of school and it's isolated from the school environment I don't see a problem with that as long as it's an adult relationship that they're both engaging in," he said.
Daeschler has taught in the Chicago area for several years. On the website RateMyTeacher.com, many former Stagg High School students praised him.
"I think Mr. Daeschler was a great teacher," wrote on Palos Hills student. "He helped me grow as a music student."
But another complained about the educator, writing: "I think it's a little disturbing when a man spends so much time with his students in his office. He should not be a teacher."
Libertyville police said Tuesday there's no criminal investigation warranted because the student was an adult at the time of the relationship.
Daeschler’s classes are now being taught by music instructors from Libertyville and Vernon Hills high schools, and officials are in discussion with former Director Don Shupe, who retired in 2010, about his return to the program in February.
He said the district will be posting the open band director position for the 2013-14 school year.
