Oconto Falls Public School District comments on amended federal lawsuit

OCONTO FALLS – The Oconto Falls Public School District (OFSD) Board of Education recently shared a release regarding the filing of a second amended complaint in a federal civil rights lawsuit sexual abuse case against the board.

“Out of respect for the plaintiffs who were actually victimized by the misconduct of individuals, the board has not directly commented on many of the allegations in the complaint. At this time, the board feels obligated to communicate to our community regarding these continuously evolving allegations,” the release began.

“The board asks the [OFSD] community to understand that merely because an attorney makes allegations in a complaint, does not mean all of those allegations are factually accurate. Additionally, one must consider the reputation of the attorney making those allegations.”

The board noted that information about the “Chicago attorney” can be found online, noting that “significant aspects of the filings in this matter reflect consistency with this attorney’s practices.”

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit are represented by Disparti Law Group attorney Cass Casper. Disparti Law Group has two offices in Illinois — Chicago and Springfield — and one in Tampa, Fla.

According to the Disparti Law website, Casper “focuses his practice on discrimination, whistleblower rights, wrongful termination, public employment civil rights” and more.

In regards to the legal case, the board went on to say that “even prior to the filing of this complaint we have been actively reviewing and conducting investigations concerning the allegations raised in these court filings. The allegations contained in these filings are either allegations that have never been previously communicated to any school official, or that have been previously investigated and either resulted in corrective action or found to lack merit.”

“It will continue to be this board’s insistence that any allegations of misconduct be reviewed and fairly investigated. The board will continue to demand that when an investigation establishes wrongdoing, swift and decisive action be taken in both employment decisions and referrals to law enforcement.”

The release closed with the board reiterating their support for those who had been victimized and encouraged anyone with concerns to reach out to the district or law enforcement.

“We will continue efforts to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for all of our students. We also want to express appreciation for the District staff who have maintained their professionalism and commitment to student achievement. We continue to celebrate the many outstanding staff members, students and community members that make this an excellent school district.”

Additionally, the OFPS Superintendent Stuart Russ provided a comment regarding technical educator David Heisel voluntarily lifetime teaching license.

“Mr. Heisel began as a teacher in the District in the 2002 - 2003 school year. He was removed from his role and put on administrative leave the day we learned of the allegations against him on April 22, 2025,” Russ shared.

No charges have been filed directly against Heisel, but allegations were made against him for alleged actions between 2010 and 2013.

“Before he could be interviewed as part of an internal investigation process, he submitted his unconditional letter of resignation the following week. The district reported the circumstances of his resignation to the Department of Public Instruction immediately after his resignation. DPI requested records that were provided in May 2025. My understanding is that Mr. Heisel voluntarily surrendered his license, which is what is reflected on the DPI licensing database. However, the process through which Mr. Heisel surrendered his license did not involve the district,” he continued.

Disparti Law Group confirmed the license was surrendered on March 31 in a press release shared April 6.

This federal civil rights lawsuit is an ongoing case, with a jury trial sought on all charges.

For additional information, visit www.dispartilaw.com/.