The board unanimously agreed to not renew the contract for high school teacher Richard Propster. Propster allegedly displayed disorderly conduct with a student on March 2. Sheriff Brett Schroetlin discussed the incident during public comment period at a West Grand School District meeting.

A school resource officer with the sheriff’s office responded and issued the teacher a citation, according to Schroetlin. Propster was placed on administrative leave for the remaining school year. The sheriff’s office issued a criminal summons for him.

Schroetlin then highlighted the “positive relationship the sheriff’s office has with the school district,” especially regarding monthly safety meetings.

“Those meetings are critical for the safety of the school district — students, teachers, staff,” Schroetlin explained. “The cooperative communication that occurs prior to incidents like this, are what make incidents like this as best they can be in unfortunate circumstances.”

Board president Lee Bruchez told Schroetlin he’s thankful for the strong partnership that staff have with the resource officer who responded to Propster’s altercation.

Also, during public comment, the parents of the student spoke. The student’s father thanked the community for their outpouring of support for their child and staff’s quick action. The students’ mother added that the world beyond West Grand is full of differing opinions. She hopes all students are equipped to calmly discuss opposing views, rather than display intolerance.

Propster is scheduled to appear in Grand County court on June 2 at 8:45 a.m.