BISMARCK - The board that licenses and disciplines North Dakota teachers voted Thursday to seek more information about criminal charges against two teachers, including one from a Grand Forks middle school.
Danny G. Taylor, 48, of Schroeder Middle School in Grand Forks, was charged last month in Cass County with gross sexual imposition. Prosecutors allege he fondled a woman's breasts, knowing she was intoxicated and unaware of what was happening, on Sept. 9.
His lawyer said in court that it was during a coed softball trip.
Taylor is free on bond while the case is pending.
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The Education Standards and Practices Board's attorney, Bill Peterson, suggested they seek information from law enforcement and prosecution sources before they consider what action to take.
Grand Forks school officials could not be reached late Thursday for verification of whether Taylor is still employed by the district.
Ex-Stanley teacherThe ESPB also seeks more information about the case of a former Stanley, N.D., teacher.
Tracy R. Hanzal, 29, was charged in August in Mountrail County with delivering alcohol to minors, for an incident alleged to have happened April 1.
He resigned and moved to Bismarck, according to ESPB records, and is now teaching at Fort Yates (N.D.) Middle School.
In October, the Stanley superintendent, Wayne Stanley, filed a "request for inquiry" with the ESPB.
"While investigating Tracy Hanzal for inappropriate use of his cell phone (text messaging 14- and 15-year-old girls during the school day), it was discovered that Tracy was also purchasing alcohol for students during the school year.
Specifically, Tracy Hanzal was buying beer for members of the track team he coached," Stanley wrote.
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Hanzal has pleaded not guilty in Mountrail County District Court and the case pending, according to online court records.
ESPB Executive Director Janet Welk wrote to Hanzal seeking a letter of explanation.
His attorney responded saying Hanzal would not talk about it until the case was over.
Cole reports for Forum Communications Co., which owns the Herald.
