November 2, 2022

Dear Holly Area Schools Families,

At Holly Area Schools, the safety and well-being of our students before, during and after school is our top
priority. I’m writing today to inform you that a former HAS high school teacher was criminally charged in
connection with an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student approximately 10 years ago. We learned
about this matter in May 2022.

Last May, allegations regarding the relationship were brought to our attention by the victim. In accordance with
our district policies and procedures, we immediately placed teacher Brian Pearson on administrative leave,
contacted law enforcement, and launched an internal investigation into the allegations with support from our
legal counsel. Mr. Pearson resigned from Holly Area Schools during the initial stages of the investigation.
Despite his resignation, our investigation continued.

Our investigation found Mr. Pearson was in violation of multiple School Board policies in connection with the
alleged inappropriate relationship. The district provided results of the investigation to law enforcement and
requested further criminal investigation based on our findings. The District prepared a report of its investigation
findings to provide to prospective employers, as permitted and required by law. The District also disclosed the
investigation findings to the Michigan Department of Education, including the State Superintendent, requesting
that the state take action to revoke Mr. Pearson’s teaching certification. Throughout this process, our priority has
been and continues to be supporting the victim and pursuing the truth.

In the course of our investigation, we found no evidence of any other students impacted by this incident, and the
victim did not identify any other students who may have been impacted. If anyone has any information about
additional potential victims related to this case, please contact the school district or local law enforcement
immediately.

Educators in Michigan take an oath and commit to a set of educational ethics, including an obligation to treat
students with dignity and respect, including their health, safety and well-being. I want our families to know this
unfortunate incident does not reflect the values of our school community or our dedicated staff who conduct
themselves ethically, responsibly and in accordance with their oath and school policies.

We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation and will keep our families updated on
this situation as the criminal process plays out. As always, it is an honor serving as your superintendent.

Sincerely,

Scott Roper, Superintendent

Holly Area Schools

________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Administration Office
920 Baird Street Scott M. Roper, Superintendent
Holly, Michigan 48442 Jennifer Herbstreit, Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction
Phone: 248-328-3100
Fax: 248-328-3145 Steve Lenar, Asst. Superintendent Administrative Services
www.hask12.org Jennifer Lauria, Director of Special Education
Patricia Murphy-Alderman, Director of Human Resources