BREAKING NEWS: Culver School District Teacher Resigns Following Professional Misconduct Allegations

(Update: adding video, statement from Culver School District Office)

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Former Culver teacher, Nathan Barber, has received a public reprimand and two years of probation from the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. This action follows a misconduct report from the Culver School District and Barber's subsequent resignation from his teaching position.

The Commission formally received the School District Misconduct report from the Culver School District on Feb. 13, 2024. The report alleged possible professional misconduct by Barber, who was a Social Studies and PE teacher, including concerning comments made to students in January and February of 2024, along with other incidents.

An investigation by the district found several instances of concerning behavior. On or about Jan. 30, 2024, Barber was reported to have reached through a pass-through mailbox area of a school front office, which "scared" a female teacher. Witnesses also reported that Barber had been seen playfully and gently tugging several female students' ponytails "consistently and often."

Further investigation revealed that on Feb. 1, 2024, Barber made inappropriate and derogatory comments to a student on the wrestling team regarding their skill and performance. On the same day, staff members reported overhearing Barber engaging in inappropriate conversations with students, which included students sharing details about who they were dating and their crushes. Barber resigned from his position at the Culver School District after the district's investigation concluded.

Barber and the Commission have agreed that the public interest is best served by a stipulation to certain facts and the imposition of the public reprimand and probation. Barber waives his right to a hearing to contest the findings and conclusions, acknowledging he was fully advised of his rights. He also agrees that the Stipulation and Final Order is a public document and is contingent upon approval by the Commission.

KTVZ News reached out to the Culver School District Office for comment. A spokesperson provided the following statement: "The Culver School District prioritizes maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, and we follow all required processes to uphold professional standards. In this case, the District reported concerns to the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) in accordance with state law and fully cooperated with its investigation. Mr. Barber is no longer employed by the Culver School District."