Former Zumwalt West Middle School Teacher Accused of Taping Students Faces New Federal Charges

Matt Hansen, 38, Winfield, goes to trial on March 12.

A former Fort Zumwalt West Middle School teacher who was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and allegedly taping students undressing at camp is now facing federal charges, according to STLtoday.com.  Matt Hansen, 39, Winfield, taught seventh grade math in the district since 2004, and was placed on administrative leave in 2012.  According to STLtoday.com, Hansen was indicted in federal court on Thursday "on eight counts of attempted production of child pornography and one count of possession of child porn." The article states that Hansen pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial on March 12.  Click here to read more on STLtoday.com.  You might also be interested in:

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Superintendent Says Zumwalt West 7th Grade Teacher Didn't Share Student Shower Videos

In June, Matt Hansen, 38, of Lincoln County, was found in possession of child porn on his home computer. According to Superintendent Dr. Bernard DuBray, police say Hansen did not share the videos he took of campers in the shower.

A Fort Zumwalt West Middle School teacher who was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography earlier this month, also allegedly taped students undressing while away at camp.  Matt Hansen, 38, taught seventh grade math in the district since 2004, and was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation. According to a letter from Fort Zumwalt Superintendent Bernard DuBray posted on the district's website in June, Hansen also assisted with the district's Fifth Grade Outdoor Education Program. "Since his arrest, the Cyber Crimes Unit found evidence that Mr. Hansen secretly and inappropriately videotaped some students at the Outdoor Education Program," DuBray wrote, adding that he had not personally…

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Update: Zumwalt West Middle School Teacher Allegedly Videotapes Students

Earlier in June, Matt Hansen, 38, of Lincoln County, was found in possession of child porn on his home computer.

A Fort Zumwalt West Middle School teacher who was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography earlier this month, also allegedly taped students undressing while away at camp.  Matt Hansen, 38, taught seventh grade math in the district since 2004, and was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation.  According to a letter from Fort Zumwalt Superintendent Bernard DuBray posted on the district's website, Hansen also assisted with the district's Fifth Grade Outdoor Education Program. "Since his arrest, the Cyber Crimes Unit found evidence that Mr. Hansen secretly and inappropriately videotaped some students at the Outdoor Education Program," DuBray wrote, adding that he had not personally seen …

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Fort Zumwalt District Says Farewell to Dr. Sandy Baner at the End of This School Year

After more than 20-years with the district, the Mount Hope Elementary School principal is retiring.

A few weeks ago, O’Fallon Patch sat down with Dr. Sandy Baner to talk about his retirement at Mount Hope Elementary School, where he has served as principal for 26 years. “I can honestly say, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” he said, sitting behind his desk, wearing a bright yellow tie he received from a Mount Hope student. The principal, who is well known among the students for his collection of cartoon ties, received the gift from first grader named Nolan after announcing his retirement. It has a picture of Nolan and reads: “Dr. Baner I’ve only been here a year and I’ve worn you out already?” “The kids love my ties, I think I have all cartoons represented,” Baner said with a smile. The principal said he is looking forward to retirement and …

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Schools Weigh Pros and Cons of Student Cell Phone Use

St. Charles authorities and school officials must balance learning with the student use of cell phones, particularly in emergency situations.

Jennifer Henry recently experienced a textbook example of the debate over whether students should be using cell phones at school.  Henry, a communications specialist for the Francis Howell School District, said it happened on Oct. 21 when Hollenbeck Middle School had to be evacuated due to a bomb threat.  It turned out to be a false alarm, but students were evacuated while authorities searched the school building. Students went to Central Elementary School and Francis Howell Central High School. A 14-year-old was later turned over to juvenile authorities. Another threat occurred at the school on Oct. 23.  When they get worried, parents and students text, Tweet and call each other – with unintended consequences.  “The kids get (information…

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Fort Zumwalt School Board Sets Tax Rate, Buys Bus Routing Software

Superintendent Dr. Bernard DuBray said the district’s assessed value was about $1.992 billion—$57 million less than last year, when the levy was set at $4.597.

Following a public hearing, the Fort Zumwalt Board of Education voted on the district tax levy at Monday's regular meeting. The newly approved rate will be $4.76 per $100 of business and residential property tax, an increase of about 16 cents over last year. Specifically, said Superintendent Bernard DuBray, $1.76 will go to the incidental fund, $2.30 to the special fund, 62 cents for debt service and 8 cents for capital projects. DuBray also announced a change to the school’s classification under state law. Census data from 2010 showed the population of O’Fallon grew beyond 70,000 residents. Under Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards, Fort Zumwalt will now be designated as an “urban” district. DuBray said this could …

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Fort Zumwalt School Board Hears Progress Report on Federal Academic Standards

Though data from 2010-11 is still being released, Dr. Jackie Floyd briefed the board on the progress of students according to the standards of No Child Left Behind.

The Fort Zumwalt School District Board of Education met Monday evening for its last regular session before the start of the 2011-12 school year, which begins Wednesday. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Jackie Floyd presented a preliminary progress report on the district’s adherence to federal No Child Left Behind academic standards. Floyd called the data just “one snapshot of student achievement,” but said the district was “moving in the right direction.” An average of 3 to 4 percent more students are meeting the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards on end of course tests each year, Floyd said. AYP standards are enforced over 18 student subgroups, she continued, including ethnic classifications such as “white…

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Fort Zumwalt Board Reviews Year End Reports, Makes Minor Change to ID Policy

Less than a month before the start of the new school year, the Fort Zumwalt Board of Education was given summary reports of the past year from it's administrative leaders, but made no major changes to its recently discussed student ID policy.

The administrative staff of the Fort Zumwalt School District presented its end of year department summaries to the board of education at Monday's regular session. Superintendent Dr. Bernard DuBray highlighted some of the notable accomplishments of his team. He cited administration’s efforts to slash the district's budget deficit, which was reduced from $8.9 million to a final tally of $5.2. The district also successfully negotiated a two-year salary deal with teachers, parents, parent educators and nurses—along with bus drivers and support staff through next year. O’Fallon voters passed an $18.5-million bond issue with nearly 67 percent of the vote. All-day kindergarten was a big hit, too, he said. “That turned out to be so successful that…

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Fort Zumwalt School District Voters Elect Two New Board Members, One Incumbent

Voters re-elect Price and welcome new members Schmidt and Porter to the school board.

Editor's note: O'Fallon Patch was not able to reach Renee Porter or Jeffrey P. Kutterer. We will update this article as information becomes available.  In a six-way race for Fort Zumwalt School Board, voters  re-elected Mike Price and welcomed newcomers Laure Schmidt and Renee Porter to fill the three open seats on the board.  Mike Price, who served on the board from 2002-2007 then 2008-2011, took 5,054 votes or 20.50 percent to retain his seat. Price, who runs AmeriKids Christian Center, a Christian preschool, said he is pleased to be re-elected and appreciates those who supported him.  "The next few years may be tough due to the economy," he said. " The board may be making some difficult decisions.  One thing I am able to say with …

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Spotlight On O'Fallon

Fort Zumwalt Student Enrollment Stays Consistent

Fort Zumwalt student numbers are steady as the district prepares to cut around 40 staff positions through attrition this year.

District officials say Fort Zumwalt's student enrollment numbers for the 2010 – 2011 school year are leveling out. As new housing construction slows down, the district is not experiencing an increase in new students. According to Superintendent Dr. Bernard DuBray, when compared to the last school year, enrollment numbers are steady. He said with an estimated 50 to 60 less students, numbers have flattened out due to the lack of new homes being built in the area and a maturing district. However, professional and support staff positions are changing throughout the district through attrition. “We are looking at every opportunity to cut jobs through attrition,” said DuBray. “If a more expensive paid employee leaves, we are looking to hire a …

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