Case Study #3: Ronn Johnson

Case Study #3: Ronn Johnson

This case study follows an educator who gained the trust of students, families, and his community. As you read it, look for situations where boundaries with students were crossed and how that trust affected adults’ responses.

1989 — Beginning as a teacher. The course says Johnson began teaching at Lee Elementary School in Milwaukee at age 24. 

2002 — Starting a school. Johnson launched the Young Leaders Academy, a charter school focused on preparing students for college.

2012 — Trusted by the community. The course describes Johnson as respected by the community, trusted by families, and admired by students.

2013 — Allegations reported. The course includes a July 2013 Fox 6 Milwaukee report that Johnson had been arrested and faced multiple charges of child sexual assault. The report describes alleged incidents connected to visits and sleepovers at his home.

Fox 6 Milwaukee, July 30, 2013, as presented in The Redwoods Group course.

Reflection: Boundaries and Trust. 

• Inviting students to his home: This created contact with youth outside school activities.

• Having students sleep over: This created time alone without other adults supervising.

• Calling students “godsons”: The course identifies these special names as favoritism used to build trust.

• Acting as a father figure: The course describes this as a way he gained families’ trust.

Which boundaries could adults in the organization have noticed and addressed earlier?