FORMER WAPAKONETA TEACHER RESIGNS FROM SCHOOL BOARD AFTER ONLINE CONTROVERSY

WAPAKONETA — A former Wapakoneta schools teacher has resigned from the district’s board of education following complaints about an obscene Facebook comment he allegedly made about President Donald Trump.

Gregg Ruppert submitted his resignation at the end of an executive session held during the board’s regular meeting on Nov. 25. The session was called to discuss a personnel matter. Board members did not publicly explain the reason for his departure that night.

However, a Facebook post circulating ahead of the meeting showed community backlash over an inappropriate comment Ruppert reportedly made on Facebook. The remark appeared in the comment section of a story from The Lima News about former Allen County Sheriff Samuel Crish’s request for early release from federal prison. According to a screenshot shared by a concerned citizen, Ruppert suggested Crish perform a sexual act to obtain a pardon from President Trump.

In an email Tuesday, Superintendent Aaron Rex confirmed to the Lima News Ruppert chose to step down due to the public concern surrounding the post.

Ruppert, who served on the school board since 2018, previously spent 40 years teaching in the Wapakoneta school district.