Henigman resigns after being placed on leave

Republic R-3 band instructor allegedly caught in inappropriate conduct with underage girl
Ryan Henigman, the now former high school and middle school band instructor at Republic School District, resigned his position at the school on Thursday, Aug. 22, after the district was made aware of a video showing him engaged in inappropriate conduct with an underage girl.
The video:
The video with Henigman can be seen on YouTube, on the channel NicoIsCold; the video is titled, “He wanted to play Truth or Dare.”
In the video, dated June 30, Henigman speaks with a girl who tells him she is 15. Henigman then tells her that he is 28 and from Texas. As the conversation progresses, Henigman asks the girl to play Truth or Dare with him. She agrees, and when she chooses “Dare,” he dares her to show off her legs. At that point, video creator Nico Grigg, who had been off camera, leans into the shot and berates Henigman, repeating to Henigman that the girl is 15. The video ends soon afterwards. Several people making comments on the video identified Henigman as the man contacting the girl.
District took action immediately after being made aware of video
In response to a media inquiry, Nikki Faith, director of communication for the district, said that the district was made aware of the video on the same day that Henigman was placed on leave.
“The district was made aware of the video Thursday morning,” she said. “It was shared with us by a parent.”
Faith also said that the district had finished looking into the matter.
“The school police investigation has concluded,” she said. “Additional information could re-open it.”
Speaking in general terms, Faith described what an investigation into an allegation of teacher misconduct looks like.
“When instances like this occur, an investigation is immediately launched according to Board of Education policies and procedures,” she said. “Our investigative process includes placing the staff member in question on administrative leave, involving law enforcement as required and determining appropriate employment action upon the investigation’s completion. Through this thorough process, we aim to maintain the safety of our students. Law enforcement was contacted in this case.”
Faith also emphasized that the district is looking to find a new band instructor immediately.
“We’ve reached out to local universities and the band/music education community to locate strong candidates,” she said.
Misconduct involved no Republic students
Following Henigman’s resignation, Faith, sent a message to the parents in the district regarding Henigman.
“This morning, Mr. Henigman was placed on administrative leave and an investigation was launched immediately after a video surfaced alleging inappropriate online conduct,” she stated. “Through our investigative process, we found this matter does not involve any student of Republic Schools, and we have no indication of misconduct related to students in our district. Even so, the Republic School District takes any and all allegations of inappropriate behavior extremely seriously as the safety of our students is our highest priority and responsibility.”
Faith also told the parents that the district’s assistant band directors would continue band instruction while the district sought Henigman’s replacement. She also suggested that parents who had questions should reach out to Dr. John Thompson, Republic High School principal, or Tracy Williams, Republic Middle School principal.
Henigman was hired by the district in February of 2022 and began working in the district in July of that year.