Former Oconto Falls Teacher Ordered to Stand Trial on Child Enticement Charges

Gayle Gander, an English teacher and performing arts director, faces 11 charges including child enticement and sexual misconduct by a school staff member.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gayle Gander, a former English teacher and director of the performing arts center at Oconto Falls High School, has been ordered to stand trial on 11 charges, including child enticement and sexual misconduct by a school staff member. The charges stem from alleged inappropriate sexual conduct with seven students between March 2024 and December 2025.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of teacher-student sexual misconduct and the need for strong policies and oversight to protect students. As a teacher and authority figure, Gander was in a position of trust, and these allegations are a violation of that trust and the responsibility educators have to their students.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Gander admitted to having physical contact with multiple students, including massaging them and sometimes removing their shirts, which he described as "buddy buddy" behavior not intended to be sexual. However, the complaint states that the students reported the contact as inappropriate, and an officer suggested to Gander that his actions amounted to grooming the students.

  • The alleged incidents happened between March 2024 and December 2025.
  • Gander was ordered to stand trial on February 13, 2026.
  • Gander's arraignment is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The players

Gayle Gander

A former English teacher and director of the performing arts center at Oconto Falls High School who was fired after his arrest on charges of child enticement and sexual misconduct by a school staff member.

Oconto Falls High School

The high school where Gander was employed as a teacher and performing arts director.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Gander described the contacts with the multiple victims as 'buddy buddy' where he would come up behind them and rub their shoulders. Gander said that the contact wasn't intended to be sexual, and that 'one thing led to another.'”

— Gayle Gander, Former Teacher (Criminal Complaint)

“I told Gander that he watches the same protection videos at the beginning of every school year that I do, and said this sounds like grooming. Gander agreed, but said that wasn't his intention.”

— Police Officer (Criminal Complaint)

What’s next

Gander's arraignment is scheduled for March 26, 2026, where he will formally enter a plea to the charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of thorough background checks, ongoing training, and strict policies to prevent teacher-student misconduct in schools. Educators hold a position of trust, and any breach of that trust can have devastating impacts on students and the community.