Wyoming teacher cautioned about ‘importance of boundaries’
The Friday before he was placed on administrative leave, Wyoming High School teacher Travis Glendenning had a meeting with his bosses about “the importance of boundaries with students.”
The Sept. 16 meeting is documented in Glendenning’s personnel file with a letter from Wyoming City Schools Superintendent Susan Lang. It talks about boundaries in school and at out-of-school activities.
“You are a well-liked teacher and have a good reputation as a faculty member at the high school,” the letter states. “We want to ensure that there are no misperceptions from students, parents and/or community members.”
Glendenning, 33, was then placed on paid administrative leave on Sept. 20, according to public records released Friday evening by the school district. The leave, for an undetermined period of time, is for “an appropriate and thorough investigation of inappropriate conduct.”
The Enquirer wrote about Glendenning’s leave on Thursday. The school district has declined to comment thus far, but the newly released records shed more light on Glendenning’s performance as an employee and the status of his leave.
In large part, his 86-page personnel file is positive. There are no other disciplinary actions, and the reviews are highly favorable.
“It is noted that Travis has admirable skills in creating an atmosphere of respect and rapport,” states one such review. “He continues to demonstrate a genuine interest in supporting students both in and out of the classroom. Overall, the difference Travis makes with students is immeasurable.”
Original story:
A Wyoming High School teacher and running coach is on leave pending an internal investigation.
Travis Glendenning has been on leave since at least Wednesday. The district announced a “personnel issue” but declined to elaborate. School officials have not named Glendenning, but several sources – including The Enquirer’s news partner, Fox 19 – confirmed Glendenning is a subject of the investigation.
The Enquirer requested his personnel file, but it was not immediately available.
He did not respond to requests for comment.
Glendenning, 33, teaches high-school social studies and coaches track, cross country and basketball for Wyoming.
He was The Enquirer’s Division II-III Coach of the Year in 2015, and he is also a past Cincinnati Hills League coach of the year.
In 2005, he was featured by Ohio University for earning the James Madison Junior Fellow award – a $24,000 scholarship for teachers who want to pursue advanced studies on the U.S. Constitution.
The write-up on Ohio University’s website quotes one of Glendenning’s professors: “In the seven years I have been here, I have worked with approximately 120 undergraduate students a year, and Travis is one of a handful who truly stands out. Travis possesses a unique combination of qualities, including strong leadership, intelligence, insightfulness, sensitivity to students and a wonderful sense of humor."
Wyoming school officials are mum on the investigation, but it’s a black eye for a district better known for top academic rankings than allegations of teacher misconduct.
On the latest U.S. News and World Report ranking, Wyoming High School was named the No. 2 public high school in Ohio – second only to Cincinnati Public Schools’ Walnut Hills High School.
On the latest state report card – one that was a mess for many local schools – Wyoming High earned three As and two Bs for its overall grades.
Glendenning is licensed to teach social studies in grades seven through 12. He has no state disciplinary records, and there are no Wyoming Police Department reports related to the current investigation.
Glendenning’s social media presence is devoted to his work as a coach. His Twitter account is largely photos of runners, practice logistics and inspirational quotes.
His latest tweet was Sept. 17 – a photo of the girls’ cross country team standing on a second-place podium: “5 top 20 finishers in today's girls race at Eaton!,” he wrote.
Four days later, he was on leave.
Reporter Scott Springer contributed to this article.