Zach Nelson, now a former Hankinson High School science teacher, resigned Friday amid an investigation into alleged messaging between Nelson and a student.
His resignation was accepted by the Hankinson school board during a special meeting Monday.
Hankinson Public School Superintendent Chad Benson said in a Facebook post on the Hankinson Public School District page, “There is an active law enforcement investigation into messages exchanged between Mr. Nelson and a student. To avoid harming that investigation, I am unable to share any further information, evidence, or details that are not yet publicly available. The school will be cooperative with law enforcement to the greatest extent possible.”
In the statement to the “HPS Families and Community,” Benson noted “Zach Nelson is no longer employed as a teacher with the school district … On Friday afternoon Mr. Nelson chose to resign from his position with the school district.”
Benson said Hankinson High School Principal Sarah Pohl is working on a strategy to cover Nelson’s classes for the remainder of the school year.
“This will be challenging, but I know we will find a way to do what is needed for our students,” Benson added.
Richland County Sheriff Gary Ruhl confirmed the investigation, adding that no formal charges have been filed and no further updates or information would be provided at this juncture.
