Marshall, MINNESOTA

Another band teacher in the news.

June 4, 2008 - Lori Schulz, 33, a Marshall Middle School and Junior High band teacher, was charged with criminal sexual conduct in the second degree and fourth degree.

The complaint alleges that Schulz had sexual contact with the student, a 14-year-old girl, from January to May 2003, while Schulz was the junior high band teacher, the complaint alleges. The student was in band.
Full Name: Lori Ann Schulz
----------
TT - The reason why so many band teachers have inappropriate relationships with students may be the same reason why coaches do. The best explanation was in a 2001 series in the Houston Chronicle by Danny Robbins, "Out of Bounds."

The number of coaches involved in sexual misconduct with students is generally attributed to two factors. One is the amount of unstructured time coaches and students spend together. The other is the power and stature of coaches, particularly those affiliated with successful programs.

---------
June 5 - When Marshall Police interviewed Schulz she said she was no longer teaching but working in an administrative job in a factory, the complaint said.

“First of all it’s disappointing something of this nature may have occurred,” Marshall Superintendent Klint Willert said. “It would be disappointing from anybody’s perspective.”

Willert said the allegations are especially disappointing because of Schulz’s abilities and musical work at the school.“

She was highly revered by many for her musical abilities and for what she did for the district. She had very high performing bands and musical groups,” Willert said of Schulz.

OMNIBUS HEARING July 16 - Judge George Harrelson ruled Tuesday there was probable cause for the charges against former Marshall School band teacher Lori A. Schulz.

Lyon County Assistant Attorney Tricia Zimmer filed a request for an aggravated sentence which would be an upward departure on a sentence if Schulz is convicted. Zimmer said in her request in the case where a victim is "vulnerable to age, infirmity, or reduced physical or mental capacity which was known or should have been known to the offender," an aggravated sentence is justified.

Zimmer also said Schulz "engaged in 'grooming' behavior over a period of time and used pressure, duress and threats of suicide." Schulz also "committed multiple acts" over an extended period of time, Zimmer said in her request.

Schulz's lawyer Joel Solie requested a plea hearing. Harrelson said a hearing would likely take place within three or four weeks.