A former Oconto Falls High School staff member has been ordered to stand trial on allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct involving multiple students. Sixty-year-old Gayle Gander faces 11 charges, including child enticement and sexual misconduct by a school staff member. Court records show Gander waived his preliminary hearing on Friday, and an arraignment is scheduled for March 26^th. Gander previously worked as an English teacher and director of the performing arts center and was terminated following his arrest. According to the criminal complaint, the alleged incidents occurred between March of 2024 and December of 2025 and involved seven students.

The complaint outlines the layout of the theater department, including a restricted access “black box” space, and details allegations from students describing massages, removal of shirts, and other physical contact. Investigators say Gander admitted to engaging in physical contact, describing the interactions as attempts to help students relax and build camaraderie, while maintaining the contact was not intended to be sexual. The complaint also notes that an officer confronted Gander about behavior consistent with grooming, which Gander reportedly acknowledged in conversation, though he denied any sexual intent or personal gratification. The case now moves forward in court.