The Kaukauna Area School Board decided on August 24, 2026, against placing River View Middle School principal Lucas Cromell on administrative leave. The decision follows a recent increase in pressure from district parents who demanded an independent investigation into allegations linked to Cromell’s past employment at the Oconto Falls School District.
Context of the Oconto Falls Lawsuit
Cromell is named in a civil lawsuit filed in March 2026 against the Oconto Falls School District. The complaint includes allegations of sexual misconduct involving three former students and at least four staff members. While the accusations include claims of inappropriate messaging and classroom misconduct during his tenure as a substitute teacher in Oconto Falls, Cromell faces no criminal charges at this time. He has worked in the Kaukauna district for 10 years and held the principal position at River View Middle School since the 2021-22 school year.
The Board’s Stance and Public Reaction
The board held a closed session meeting on Monday to discuss Cromell’s employment status. Following the meeting, school board president Christine Bouressa issued a statement noting that the board consulted with legal counsel regarding the matter. She stated that the board will keep reviewing any new information that surfaces. She added that the current evidence does not warrant taking action against the principal at this point.
This decision prompted immediate responses from parents. Harleigh Brunette, who has a sibling in the district, spoke at the meeting to call for a formal investigation to address the victims’ testimonies. Other parents, such as Brittany Goffard, argued that administrative leave is a neutral step that would allow for a proper inquiry into the allegations without pre-judging the outcome. Online petitions have also gained traction, urging the board to act on these concerns.
District Position and Future Outlook
Despite the public push for his removal from daily duties, district leadership remains supportive of the principal. An email sent to parents by district officials last week reinforced their confidence in the hiring process that brought Cromell to River View. The communication noted that the allegations were previously investigated by the Oconto Falls School District and deemed unsubstantiated. The district relies on its standard background and reference check protocols as justification for maintaining his employment.
Cromell addressed the situation directly in a statement provided to the media. He categorically denied all allegations of inappropriate conduct and emphasized his focus on the safety and well-being of his students. He is not a defendant in the civil suit. The district expects to continue monitoring the legal situation as the case against the Oconto Falls district proceeds through the court system.