Anamosa Approves Resignation of Teacher Charged with Sexual Exploiting Former Student

The Anamosa School Board has approved the resignation of a middle school teacher who has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor. 

Iowa News Now reports Wayne Lasack, who is now 50, has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor for conversations he had with a 15-year-old former student ten years ago.

According to their report, court records say Lasack reached out to the teen on Facebook in 2014 and said he wanted to see a ‘naughty picture’ of her. She replied that she was uninterested, and Lasack quickly ended the conversation. The messages had been anonymously sent to the Anamosa Community School District in 2018 and were reported to police shortly after. The principal told police that she believed the claims were ‘unfounded’. The messages resurfaced in 2024 and authorities investigated further.

An arraignment and bond review has been set for August 5th.

Wayne Lasack’s resignation was approved by the school board on Monday. It is effective immediately. 

Anamosa Superintendent Darren Hanna shared the following statement with KMCH on Tuesday:

“On Monday, July 29, 2024, the Anamosa Community School District Board of Directors approved the resignation of Wayne Lasack, effective immediately.  Mr. Lasack submitted his voluntary resignation and request to be released from his contract with the District on July 25, 2024.  The District administration recommended to the Board that it approve the resignation of Mr. Lasack and allow for an immediate release of his contract.  This decision was viewed as being in the best interest of the District and all its stakeholders. 

Personnel matters often require extensive investigations and due process procedures which can take additional time and District resources.  The District will continue to cooperate fully with outside entities regarding this matter and the administration has already made all legally required notifications and filed all necessary reports with appropriate state agencies.  

We will continue, as always, to make student safety our number one priority.”