The band director at Republic High School resigned abruptly Thursday ― three days into the school year ― hours after allegations of inappropriate behavior with an underage girl surfaced.
The district notified families and employees of Ryan Henigman's exit by email. It was sent shortly before 5 p.m.
In the message, Nikki Faith, director of communications, said the resignation was effective immediately.
"This morning, Mr. Henigman was placed on administrative leave and an investigation was launched immediately after a video surfaced alleging inappropriate online conduct," Faith wrote in the email.
The investigation was conducted by school police. The district was notified about the video by a parent.
"Through our investigative process, we found this matter does not involve any student of Republic schools and we have no indication of misconduct related to students in our district."
Faith said the district takes "any and all allegations of inappropriate behavior extremely seriously as the safety of our students is our highest priority and responsibility."
A short video circulating on social media showed a man − who alleged he was age 28 and from Texas − playing truth-or-dare with a teenage-looking girl in an online chat room. After the girl said "I am 15, by the way, I just wanted to let you know," the man dared the girl to "show off your legs."
Henigman, hired in July 2022, was entering his third year at the high school.
He came to the district with 14 years of experience in Oklahoma. He previously served as director of bands in Shawnee, assistant band director in Stillwater and band director in Pryor.
The News-Leader reached out to Shawnee Public Schools to find out the conditions of Henigman's exit there and received a statement from Amanda Teape Johnson, director of public relations for the district.
Johnson said Henigman was hired in August 2018.
"Mr. Henigman voluntarily resigned from Shawnee Public Schools on Feb. 20, 2022, effective the end of the school year. He stated he was moving to teach in Missouri," she said. "Mr. Henigman completed his contract and is eligible for rehire at SPS, as his resignation was voluntary."
At Republic High School, the band program will be led by the assistant directors. The district will take steps to quickly fill the position.
Parents with questions are asked to contact John Thompson, principal of Republic High, or Tracy Williams, principal of Republic Middle School.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Republic High band director resigns hours after allegations of inappropriate behavior
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