Fox C 6 Board Terminates Seckman High School Teacher After Policy Violations
ARNOLD, Mo. Jan. 27, 2026
The Fox C 6 Board of Education has terminated a tenured Seckman High School social studies teacher following a closed session vote late last month, citing violations of district policies related to technology use, professional conduct, and staff and student relations.
Board members voted unanimously on Jan. 27 to end the employment of Timothy Bookstaver, a permanent employee who had worked in the district for nearly two decades. Bookstaver began his career with Fox C 6 in 2006 at Seckman Middle School and transferred to Seckman High School in 2011.
District records show Bookstaver earned $65,634 during the current school year.
Investigation and Administrative Leave
Bookstaver was placed on paid administrative leave on Nov. 3 after district officials raised concerns stemming from an email he sent in October. The email prompted questions regarding student and staff safety, as well as the security of the district’s computer systems.
He was formally notified on Dec. 17 that the administration intended to seek his termination. Bookstaver requested a public termination hearing, which was held Jan. 8 at the Fox C 6 Service Center in Arnold.
Following the conclusion of that hearing process, the board rendered its decision later in the month.
Superintendent Paul Fregeau said in a written statement that the board’s vote came at the conclusion of the administrative hearing process, as requested by the employee and as required by Missouri statute. He added that state and federal privacy laws prevent the district from commenting further on specific personnel matters.
Email Raised Safety and Security Concerns
During the termination hearing, Jennifer Hansen, an attorney representing Fox C 6 administrators, outlined the findings of the district’s investigation.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Nathan Burch testified that concerns were first reported by Seckman High School Principal Jeffrey Krutzsch on Oct. 28.
According to testimony, Bookstaver used his district email account to send a message to multiple Fox C 6 employees and several individuals not employed by the district. The message included Bookstaver’s private login credentials for district systems and approximately 170 links to online videos covering topics such as the age of apocalypse, secret societies, and conspiracy theories.
The email also included language that administrators said raised concerns about Bookstaver’s well being and the safety of students and staff. Burch testified that the message referenced a desire to leave his current life, confusion about identity, and statements suggesting an impending end of the world. Following the email, the district disabled Bookstaver’s building access and computer credentials to prevent unauthorized access.
Policy Violations Cited
Administrators testified that Bookstaver violated district technology policies by sharing passwords, misusing district equipment during contracted work time, and accessing content unrelated to curriculum or instruction.
Testimony also addressed concerns related to professional conduct. Investigators said materials observed during a classroom inspection included books and films they considered inappropriate for students due to graphic sexual or violent content.
Burch also told the board that a parent complained about Bookstaver’s teaching approach, describing it as indoctrination. When questioned by an assistant principal, Bookstaver reportedly responded, “Trust me or fire me.”
District leaders testified that the situation disrupted school operations and raised concerns about data security and safety.
Teacher Responds at Hearing
During the hearing, Bookstaver disputed portions of the district’s findings. He told the board the videos he watched during work hours were history references connected to his teaching role.
He also said he previously complained about harassment and described negative interactions involving his religious beliefs. Bookstaver said he requested transfers in the past due to conflicts with colleagues.
Bookstaver further stated that many of the books and films discussed during the hearing were recommendations and were not assigned to students.
During the hearing, Bookstaver presented videos and images he said supported his belief that secret societies influence global events, citing symbolism, numerology, and what he described as the Great Awakening.
District Emphasizes Policy Enforcement
In closing arguments, Hansen told board members that the termination was not based on Bookstaver’s personal beliefs.
Hansen said, “Mr. Bookstaver’s personal beliefs about religion or the world are not the issue. What is at issue is policy and the violation of policy.”
Bookstaver did not respond to requests for comment.