Reed-Custer School District

R-C District responds to hazing lawsuit

Published by admin on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 7:28pm

The Reed-Custer School District has taken a defensive stance against a lawsuit alleging hazing and sexual assault inside the high school football program.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Nov. 28. Richard and Allison Brookman, parents of a former RCHS student, filed the suit accusing the district of engaging in and covering up hazing activity among its high school football program in the summer of 2017.

Educator faces sexual abuse charges

Published by admin on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 6:04pm

A consumer science teacher in the Reed-Custer School District remains behind bars this week, accused of multiple charges of allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy.

Dayna Chidester, 50, who taught consumer science and served as the sponsor for the Reed-Custer High School FCCLA program since August 2017, was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 3, by Manhattan police. She is a resident of Manhattan.

RCHS teacher charged with sexual contact with a minor

Published by admin on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 4:00pm

 

The Reed-Custer School District has accepted the resignation of a consumer sciences educator, who has now been arrested on charges of inapporpriate sexual contact with a minor resulting in a $1 million bond.

Dayna Chidester, 50, who has been with the consumer sciences program at RCHS since August 2017, was arrested this week and charged for alleged sexual contact with a minor in Manhattan, where she resides.

Prior to this week's development, Chidester was under investigaiton for alleged contact with a student at Reed-Custer on accusations of drug-related activity.

RCHS teacher arrested for sexual contact with a minor

Published by admin on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 1:42pm

A teacher from RCHS has been arrested and charged with four felony counts related to inappropriate sexual contract with a minor in Manhattan, Ill.

Dayna Chidester, 50, of Manhattan, has been arrested and charged with four felony counts including grooming and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Superintendent Mark Mitchell sent the following statement to parents this afternoon:

"I am incredibly disappointed to have to contact all of you after what was hopefully a wonderful holiday season with your families.

School board lauds student accomplishments

Published by admin on Wed, 01/02/2019 - 10:41am

Students in the Reed-Custer School District who excelled in the arts during the first semester of the school year were given special recognition before the School Board in December.
On Dec. 19, the Board of Education honored five art students who were selected to have their works shown during the fall at an art show at Joliet Junior College.
The students’ work was part of a display of 100 pieces of art from 20 high schools in the area.

District hires new music teacher

Published by admin on Sat, 12/22/2018 - 2:56pm

Students returning to school at Reed-Custer Middle School after the holiday break will have a new music teacher.

On Dec. 19, the school board approved the hire of Alex Paolone as the district’s new temporary full-time music teacher.

RCES principal Heather Faletti, RCMS principal Shane Traeger, and staff from the music department performed the interviews for the new hire, recommending him to the superintendent and School Board for approval.

Changes expected for school calendar

Published by admin on Sat, 12/22/2018 - 2:53pm

It’s just the start of the second semester of school. But the Reed-Custer School district is already looking ahead to the 2019-20 academic year, getting a preview of the tentative calendar for next year.

Superintendent Mark Mitchell presented the draft calendar to the Board of Education on Dec. 19. Mitchell said changes at the state level will determine a few tweaks that the district makes to the attendance plans for the next school year.

Thumbs up for new RCHS cafeteria

Published by admin on Tue, 12/18/2018 - 7:22pm

Future Comets at Reed-Custer High School will be able to spend their lunch hour in an upgraded cafeteria.

In November, school board president Greg Boyer said that the Building and Grounds Committee would recommend moving ahead with plans for an addition to the high school, to add a new kitchen and eating area, as well as access for a concession stand for football fields and other outdoor activities.

RC teacher arrested on child porn charges

Published by admin on Tue, 12/04/2018 - 3:41pm

 

A music teacher in the Reed-Custer school district is facing charges for possession of child pornography.

Lawsuit filed against Reed-Custer school district claims "culture of abuse" in football

Published by admin on Wed, 11/28/2018 - 4:41pm

A lawsuit has been filed against the Reed-Custer School District, stemming from allegations of hazing and abuse during the pre-season of Comet football in 2017.