Ex-Spencer Teacher Accepts Suspension and Public Reprimand

Des Moines, IA (KICD) — A former Spencer school employee has accepted a three-year suspension of her teaching license and a public reprimand from the Iowa Board of Education Examiners.

Katie Kardell taught high school vocal music and resigned from the district before the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
An online document says the board received an ethics complaint on November 30th of 2021 and found probable cause to proceed with a hearing on June 24th of 2022.

Kardell was initially charged with committing or soliciting sexual conduct; or soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic relationship with a student. The board says the contact was initiated through text messages and embraces.

Kardell waived her right to a hearing, saying that her contact with a student was never inappropriate, but that it could be interpreted as inappropriate if the case had proceeded to the hearing stage. The final settlement agreement removes any reference to sexual conduct.

The clock on the three-year suspension begins December 1st, 2021. Terms of reinstatement require Kardell to complete an ethics class and undergo a mental health evaluation.

The Spencer school district has declined to comment on the situation from its inception. After a request for more information this week, Superintendent Terry Hemann did confirm to KICD News that Kardell’s departure from the district was “a resignation agreement agreed to by the district and Iowa State Education Association employees.”