Bob Maronde will not be returning to Woodview Elementary in Grafton -- and we now know why



GRAFTON -- After more than 40 years in the classroom, a popular Grafton teacher will not be returning to Woodview Elementary School. And it appears the reason why involves a kazoo.

The superintendent of the Grafton School District said this in a statement issued to FOX6 News on Wednesday, April 27th:

Mr. Bob Maronde will not be returning as a music teacher at Woodview Elementary School.  The district has made this decision after an investigation into matters brought to the district’s attention.  The district interviewed students and Mr. Maronde about the matter.  Due to confidentiality and privacy rights of individuals including Mr. Maronde, the district is not willing to disclose details of the matter to the public.

Thank you for your understanding.
Dr. Mel Lightner


FOX6 News was told Maronde will be on paid administrative leave for the remainder of this school year. He will not be returning to the classroom.

He will not be offered a contract for next school year.

Bob Maronde



"It's hard. I can't tell you how hard it is," Maronde said.

Maronde on Wednesday shared his side of the story with FOX6 News. He said earlier in April, in his classroom, two fifth-grade boys weren't listening.

Maronde said while briefly separating them from the rest of the class, a door he closed made a lot of noise. Then, at the end of class, Maronde said he saw a third boy holding a kazoo near another student's eye.

"I immediately reached down and grabbed it as quickly as I can, and pulled it away. As soon as I started to pull away, I didn't have a grip, and the kazoo went flying off into the wild blue yonder," Maronde said.

Maronde said he didn't think much of the incidents until he was asked by the superintendent to resign.

"I teach them 'don't give up, don't quit.' So we decided I would not sign the resignation," Maronde said.

Woodview Elementary School



Those who know Maronde admit he can have a temper -- not only as a teacher, but as a basketball coach at Grafton High School.

"Yes -- I will yell at basketball games and do all that. But there is a big difference between coaching in a basketball game and teaching eight, nine and 10-year-old kids," Maronde said.

Bob Maronde



Maronde is adamant he did not lose his cool in the classroom.

"I've been teaching 40 years and I have never, never, never once been called in for what's happened in my music classroom. Never.  This is the first time," Maronde said.



Maronde told FOX6 News he was offered a deal -- where he would resign, and be allowed to coach the basketball team at Grafton High School for one more year.

He did not agree to that.

Instead, he will be on administrative leave with pay until the end of this school year.

He will not be offered a contract for next school year.

A Facebook page has been created, where parents, and current and former students have shared messages of support for Maronde.

Bob Maronde