Olathe school board fires choir teacher and sends investigation to law enforcement
The Olathe school board in a special meeting Tuesday evening fired Olathe North High School choir teacher Micah Horton, as officials refer an investigation to law enforcement.
Olathe North Principal Jason Herman said in an email to families Tuesday night that administrators were “recently made aware of conduct in violation of board policies” by Horton, a vocal music director in the theater department, who some parents have said was well-known and popular among students. Horton last year had been named the district’s secondary teacher of the year, according to social media posts.
Administrators, Herman said, placed Horton on leave, referred the matter to local law enforcement and conducted an internal investigation.
As a result of the investigation, Herman said school administrators recommended that the board terminate Horton’s employment. And during a rare special meeting on Tuesday, the board held a closed session and then fired him.
The principal said Horton “will not be returning to Olathe North or any Olathe Public Schools facility.”
Details remained scarce on Wednesday morning. Herman did not explain what allegations were raised against Horton or what the district investigation involved.
In his email, he told families, “Please know that if administration had an awareness that your child was directly involved, you would have already been contacted as part of the internal investigation.”
Reached by phone Wednesday morning, Horton declined to comment.
In an email to The Star, district spokeswoman Erin Schulte declined to provide additional details, including how long Horton was on leave or what accusations were brought against the teacher.
She said, “Olathe North High School administrators worked with our Safety Services team to alert the Olathe Police Department immediately after the concern was reported.”
Horton, she said, joined the district in August 2021.
Sgt. John Moncayo, a spokesman for the Olathe Police Department, passed along The Star’s questions to the open records department, without confirming any information.
Horton had not been arrested as of Wednesday morning, and no criminal charges had been brought against him. Melody Webb, a spokeswoman for the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, declined to comment on Wednesday.
The principal said Olathe North is placing a long-term substitute in Horton’s role for the rest of the school year.
“We are committed to working with our staff and students to make the transition as smooth as possible,” Herman told families in his email. “Although we cannot share specific details due to personnel confidentiality, if you have any concerns or feel like your child might need some additional support during this time, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
This story was originally published February 28, 2024 at 10:50 AM.
