Giesler, R-II Board Of Education Sign Separation Agreement
The Ste. Genevieve R-II School District will pay Elizabeth Giesler for the 2018-19 school year in an agreement that secured her resignation, effective June 15, 2019.
The agreement was signed by Giesler and R-II Board of Education president Martha Resinger on November 30, at which time Giesler submitted her resignation.
The resignation was accepted during a closed session of the Board of Education on December 18.
Giesler had been serving in the role of assistant principal of Ste. Genevieve Middle School in May of 2018 when she was placed on leave during an investigation of misconduct with a minor. The R-II School District at that time stated charges had been issued for the staff member’s dismissal.
The agreement separation states those charges were issued on June 27, but that the district has agreed to withdraw the statement of charges.
A public hearing that was scheduled to take place as part of the R-II School District’s action was canceled in November of this year.
While the R-II School District will take no further action on Giesler, she faces six felony counts — two counts of statutory sodomy in the second degree, two counts of statutory rape in the second degree and two counts of sexual contact with a student.
Two charges — one count of statutory sodomy and one count of sexual contact with a student — were dropped after testimony by the victim in a preliminary hearing recounted what alleged actions took place on three alleged encounters in 2018.
Giesler was scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday [January 8] in front of Judge Jerel Lee Poor.
Under the separation agreement, Giesler will receive her salary of $86,812 and benefits through June 15. She also was to receive her accumulated 28.8 sick days for an amount of $2,592.
Giesler is not to have any duties for the district nor seek any future employment with the district.
Under the agreement, she releases the district and members of the board from any claims, damages or losses.
She also agrees not to enter or pursue any legal action against the district.
Giesler and the board agreed there will be no criticism, disparagement or denigration of the other party. District administrators are not allowed to speak on the subject of the district’s statement of charges.
The agreement states it shall not be construed as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any of the parties.
See complete story in the January 9 edition of the Herald.