Holly, Michigan– A former Holly High School vocal music teacher was arraigned on felony sex charges Tuesday after she allegedly had sex with two students at her home and the high school.
Ranee Sue Proper, 41, is charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct third degree in District Court in Clarkston.
The incidents allegedly began in December and continued until April during her time as a Holly teacher. A police investigation began after a parent brought the allegations to police in May.
Proper, a teacher in the Holly School District since the 2004-05 school year, resigned June 25.
“Mrs. Proper did resign while in the midst of an investigation by the local school district and the village of Holly Police,” Superintendent Kent Barnes told The Flint Journal shortly after her resignation.
“We had allegations of inappropriate conduct and those allegations we were investigating. Upon her resignation on June 25, our involvement ceased.”
Rumors of Proper’s alleged intimate relationships with students began spreading around the high school shortly before the end of the school year, sources said.
“I never thought she would be one of the ones to do that,” said Junior Amy Golembiowski. “She seemed normal, and I think she would have been smarter than that.”
Junior Emily Whitt said her sister had Proper as a teacher.
“She would let kids give her massages,” said Whitt, 16. “I think that’s very inappropriate.” Â
Proper was given a $50,000 personal bond and a preliminary exam is set for October 24.
Third-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a student carries a maximum prison term of 15 years.
Attorney Raymond Correll, who is representing Proper, could not be reached for comment.
Holly Detective Scott Fisher would not disclose whether the boys were students of Proper.
“We’re dealing with juveniles and this is a very sensitive matter,” he said.
Proper is married and has three children. Her husband reportedly was among 120 members of the 1775th Military Police Company with the Michigan Army National Guard that returned home in 2004 after 15 months in Iraq.
Neighbors say the family moved out of their home late summer.
A “For Sale” sign is in front of the home, which is tucked away inside a quiet neighborhood off a dirt road.
“I had heard rumors but I stay out of that stuff,” neighbor Shelly Taylor said.
“I never get involved in gossip and rumors. They do have three children, and that’s sad to me.”
Proper was placed on paid administrative leave May 15 while the school district investigated allegations made against her, according to a memo The Flint Journal obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.
“You are hereby directed that during the pending investigation you shall not contact students and/or parents directly or indirectly, via e-mail, phone contact or otherwise, while the investigation is ongoing. Moreover, you shall not be on school district grounds,” Barnes wrote.
On June 11, Barnes sent another memo directing Proper to appear at the superintendent’s office June 19 and stated she could bring a union representative.
Two weeks later, Proper submitted her letter of resignation, which stated: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my employment with the Holly Area Schools. However, at this time I am choosing to resign my employment effective today, June 25, 2008.”