OCONTO FALLS (NBC 26) — A lawsuit alleging widespread sexual misconduct within the Oconto Falls School District was filed on Wednesday, claiming staff have groomed and abused students over a period of more than 15 years.
The federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Disparti Law Group accuses the district of fostering a climate that allowed repeated abuse to occur. Three victims have joined the case.
The staff members listed in the lawsuit include Brynn Larsen and Gayle Gander.
Larsen was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison and five years probation for a third-degree sexual assault charge that was filed in 2019.
Gander was charged in January with 11 felony counts including sexual misconduct by school staff or volunteer. He is scheduled to be arraigned in April.
A third staff member does not have any state charges filed as of Wednesday, court records show.
During a press conference on Wednesday morning, Disparti Law Group said there are at least nine current or former staff members accused of sexual abuse, grooming, harassment or other misconduct.
The allegations span from 2005 until 2025, involving at least 14 victims.
NBC 26 reached out to the Oconto Falls School District, which issued the following statement:
"Oconto Falls School District staff and parents of current students were notified today that three former students filed a lawsuit against the District pertaining to allegations involving misconduct against them by two former school district employees. The allegations of misconduct by these two former school district employees were previously reported to the District, investigated by the District, and referred to law enforcement. One of the former employees has already been convicted and sentenced to prison for her actions.
Plaintiffs threatened to sue the District and made substantial monetary demands in August 2025. Since August, the District has responded to plaintiffs and their attorney to recognize the wrongs by these two former employees, but also to help them understand that the District took prompt action when it was made aware of the misconduct. The District is confident that its past actions and its response to Plaintiffs’ demands have satisfied its duty to keep its students and schools safe. By working with law enforcement, the District has addressed each of these situations.
Plaintiffs' allegations in their complaint about other staff and other students have also been investigated by the District. The District’s staff of excellent professional educators strive every day to deliver a great educational experience for all students. This is not diminished by the inexcusable actions of these identified former employees. In every instance in which the District became aware of allegations against an individual, definitive action has been taken.
The District is not able to comment further on the details of this lawsuit as it is an ongoing matter. The District remains confident, however, that it will continue to act promptly to any allegations of misconduct."
