Warsaw Community Schools terminated the contract of long-time high school band director Michael “Mickey” Ratliff during Thursday's board meeting.
The board of trustees voted 7-0 to accept the personnel reports, which included Ratliff’s termination. On Sept. 26, WCS administrators learned of possible violations of the school corporation's social media/communication policy and professionalism policy by Ratliff, according to a news release from WCS. “WCS possesses clear policies that are designed to safeguard against any action that either constitutes or could be misconstrued as constituting improper conduct,” the release states. School officials contacted law enforcement, who began an investigation, the release states. Ratliff was placed on administrative leave in accordance with state law. During this time, Ratliff was prohibited from being on school grounds or interacting with students. Law enforcement did not file criminal charges against Ratliff, according to the release. Warsaw Police Department did not respond this morning to a request for comment regarding the investigation. The WCS release states, “The violations of applicable policies were of sufficient number and magnitude that WCS determined it was in the best interests of its students and all others concerned that the teacher’s employment at WCHS should end.”
