Ty Theurer resigned as superintendent of Comanche County schools on Monday following weeks of public pressure over allegations that he sexually harassed a student. The school board accepted his resignation during a special meeting and appointed a former district leader as his interim replacement.
The resignation comes after reports surfaced detailing Theurer's conduct while serving as a high school golf coach, which included inappropriate comments and physical contact with a female student. The events led to significant community backlash and multiple investigations.
Key Takeaways
- Ty Theurer, superintendent of Comanche County schools, has resigned from his position.
- The resignation follows allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching of a student during his time as a golf coach.
- The school board placed Theurer on paid leave in early September after intense community criticism.
- Michael Baldwin, a former superintendent, has been appointed as the interim leader for a two-year term.
- The events have created significant tension in the community, including a shooting incident involving the school board president's vehicle.
Board Accepts Resignation, Appoints Interim Leader
The Comanche County school board officially accepted Ty Theurer’s resignation on Monday night. The decision was made during a special meeting attended by about 10 to 15 people, according to board member Dean Yoder.
Following a closed session to discuss the terms of the departure, the board announced the appointment of Michael Baldwin as interim superintendent. Yoder confirmed that Baldwin, who previously led the district, has been given a two-year contract.
“Everyone’s familiar with him, and it just kind of a calming aspect to maybe put everyone at a little bit of ease now and move forward,” Yoder said of Baldwin's appointment.
The move is seen as an attempt to stabilize the district's leadership after a turbulent month that drew widespread attention to the small southwest Kansas community of Coldwater.
Details of the Allegations
The controversy began with Theurer's actions during the spring semester when he was the golf coach for South Central High School. An investigation by the Kansas Reflector brought the allegations to public light.
According to a signed statement from Theurer, he admitted to telling a female student to grip a golf club “like a penis.” He also confirmed that he had touched the student's thigh, hips, waist, and shoulder, stating the contact was intended to correct her golf posture.
Title IX and School Responsibilities
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program that receives federal funding. This includes sexual harassment and assault. Schools are legally required to investigate all complaints and take appropriate action to resolve the situation and prevent its recurrence.
Following these initial reports, Theurer stepped down from his coaching position but retained his role as district superintendent. This decision sparked outrage among parents and community members who felt the board was not taking the matter seriously enough.
Community Pressure Forces Action
The school board's initial handling of the situation was met with strong opposition. Board president Kelly Herd was criticized for attempting to limit public discussion of the allegations at board meetings and for instructing other board members to remain silent on the issue.
The turning point occurred on September 3, 2025. A day after the investigative report was published, more than 100 residents attended a school board meeting to voice their anger. The overwhelming public pressure led the board to place Theurer on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of law enforcement and Title IX investigations.
Timeline of Events
- Spring 2025: Incidents of alleged harassment occur.
- Early September: Investigative report details the allegations.
- September 3: Over 100 community members attend a board meeting, demanding action. Theurer is placed on paid leave.
- September 21: Ten bullets are fired into the board president's unoccupied vehicle.
- September 29: Theurer resigns as superintendent.
The situation in the community grew increasingly tense. On September 21, law enforcement was called to Herd's home after 10 bullets were fired into her empty vehicle while it was parked outside. The incident remains under investigation.
Efforts to Rebuild Community Trust
With Theurer's departure and a new interim leader in place, some board members hope to begin a process of healing. Yoder, who had been a vocal critic of the board's initial response, acknowledged the challenge ahead.
He expressed the board's intention to mend its relationship with the community but recognized the difficulty of the task.
“Healing,” Yoder said when asked about the next steps. “We try and earn the community’s trust back. I’m not sure we can do it, but we’re trying to get their trust back.”
The details of Theurer's resignation agreement were not made public, as they were discussed in a private executive session. The focus now shifts to Interim Superintendent Michael Baldwin and the school board as they navigate the district through this difficult period.