E-mails from former Benton school teacher reveal inappropriate conduct

In January 2006, Walter Drahozal, of Solon, resigned from his job as a sixth-grade teacher with the Benton Community School District after complaints that he had been sending inappropriate and sexual instant messages and e-mails to current and former students as young as age 11. But Drahozal kept his teaching license until this past February, when he voluntarily surrendered that license in an agreement with the state Board of Educational Examiners.

Former Benton Community School board members say they fought administration for years to file a complaint with that licensing board. Iowa law does not require districts to report misconduct, only certain types of crimes.

Benton County Attorney David Thompson said school documents from 2005, but turned over to his office last year, show at least four current and former students reported that Drahozal had sent them inappropriate messages and gave them hugs that made them uncomfortable.

Here is a sample of e-mails Drahozal sent to one of those students, aged 13 when the messages were sent.

Drahozal Emails

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