Records: Alburnett Teacher Resigned Over Facebook Exchanges

By Meredith Hines-Dochterman

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Dec 1, 2009 at 1:32 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 1, 2009 at 1:34 PM CST

ALBURNETT - Marni Gable’s conversations on Facebook led to her resignation from the Alburnett school district earlier this year, according to state unemployment records.

According to documents, Gable, 43, had engaged in Facebook conversations with individuals, including students, that contained inappropriate language, sexual innuendos, and negative caricatures of individuals who were recognizable as members of the school district community.

The conversations were brought to administrators’ attention by district parents.

Gable chose to resign from Alburnett High School, where she taught for two years, in lieu of being discharged. “Personal reasons” was cited as the reason’s for Gable’s resignation, according to school board minutes.

The real reason became public record when Gable filed for unemployment benefits. Her resignation was effective Aug. 17.

Gable, who did not testify at a Nov. 19 Iowa Workforce Development hearing, was denied unemployment benefits because of job-related misconduct. She could not be reached for comment today.

Superintendent Michael Harrold would not comment, citing personnel reasons.

“I just can’t go into it,” he said.

Harrold said the district doesn’t have a Facebook policy for its employees, but that could change.

“There has been some discussion, but nothing definite,” Harrold said. “It likely will be discussed in the future.”

Employers are paying attention to Facebook accounts, according to Iowa Workforce Development officials.

“This is something we’ve heard employers are watching more,” spokeswoman Kerry Koonce said. “They expect employees to be professional and conduct themselves in a professional manner.”

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