Back in February the following  went out to families of students in the Franklin school district from the superintendent:

Dear Families,

The Franklin Police Department has informed District Administration that a Franklin high school student has made a report of inappropriate contact involving an individual who, at the time of the incident, was a volunteer coach for the District. Charges were filed as a result of the report.

Upon hearing of the charges, administrators removed the individual from the District’s database of approved community partners (volunteers and visitors). The Franklin Police Department immediately communicated to the individual that he was to have no contact with any school staff, students or events.  Upon charging the individual, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office has issued a No-Contact Order to the individual.

We wish to make it clear that the well-being and safety of all of our students is our top priority. The District conducts background checks on all individuals before clearing them for access to our schools and we require all visitors to check-in at the main office of all our buildings.

An investigation of the individual’s file uncovered that he was also recently employed as a summer custodian. He passed a background check and there were no reports of misconduct during his time with the District. Staff who interacted with him state that there was no indication that he might pose a threat to our student’s safety and wellbeing.

The incident occurred outside of the school day and off school grounds. However, under no circumstances does the District tolerate any inappropriate conduct affecting our students. If information is ever presented to District personnel that any such inappropriate conduct may be taking place, it is immediately investigated and handled as appropriate, including notification of law enforcement.

We understand this is troubling information for you and your child(ren). Students are encouraged to talk with their school counselor if this news is upsetting to them, or if they have their own experience that is causing them distress.

Please talk with your students about the serious effects of sexual misconduct and encourage them to respect the privacy of the parties involved.

Sincerely,

Dr. Judy Mueller

The Journal Sentinel reported.

A very reliable source told me at the time that the Franklin Public Schools administration has a serious problem it needs to fix.

In the Franklin Public Schools there is a background check for new hires. Then the background checks for those individuals stop. My source believes there should be universal background checks for school employees conducted every year. The cost would be a few thousand dollars per year. Arguing against such an expenditure would probably be difficult. Franklin’s school board should consider taking such action.

Other thoughts come to mind. Who hired this kid? Did a local kid get the job with no one really paying attention?

Did the administration hire from within, someone they know and someone they thought they could control? That’s the MO of school boards these days. School boards are not equipped to manage a team of professionals. Board members in general are happy to get opportunities to attend a state conference and occasional national conference. They feel important because of the bones tossed their way. Meanwhile they lose sight of the fact the superintendent works for them. In Franklin they think and act like it’s the other way around.

Zachary Drabek pleaded not guilty to one count of second-degree child sexual assault and one count of stalking, both felonies, during a Feb. 28 appearance in Milwaukee County court, according to online court records.

Drabek has been ruled competent to proceed. A jury trial is scheduled for April 20, 2020, at 9:00 am.

THE TOP 10 FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2019

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7) FORMER HIGH SCHOOL COACH CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT
8) WE DON’T HAVE A CLUE, SO LET’S FUND ANOTHER STUDY
9) FRANKLIN’S NEW LOGO
10) THE CARMEX COMEBACK