Ex-teacher appealing suspension

A former Spokane Valley private school teacher and coach accused of mistreating students is appealing a recent state decision to suspend his teaching license.

Steve Altmeyer, the former boys basketball coach and teacher at Valley Christian School, had been the subject of a two-year state investigation into allegations that he physically and verbally abused students and athletes.

The proposed suspension, issued in August, was provided to the newspaper Monday through a public records request from the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The records detail the state’s findings, including that Altmeyer verbally abused a 13-year-old student, calling him obese, and that he struck students on at least three occasions.

Altmeyer refused Monday to answer questions about the investigation, but he did issue a statement.

“I’m disappointed in the process. I have not had the opportunity to have a full and accurate hearing. The matter is under appeal. We will have to allow the appeal process to take place by an impartial tribune,” Altmeyer said.

The issue will go before a professional conduct advisory committee, and Altmeyer will continue to hold a license until a final order is issued.

Although the investigation stems from conduct at a private school, Altmeyer is a certified educator and subject to the state’s code of professional conduct.

The controversy began in 2004, when Valley Christian School parted ways with the coach amid allegations he had mistreated students.

Allegations also were brought against Wes Evans, the school’s longtime head administrator. A parent group claimed Evans knew about Altmeyer’s behavior toward students and failed to report it.

Evans was cleared of wrongdoing by the state in May – but not before the school board decided not to renew his contract.

Both Altmeyer and Evans have denied any wrongdoing.

Jeff Smith, school board chairman for Valley Christian School, said Monday he could not comment on the state’s findings, pending approval from other board members.

The records state that during the 1999-2000 school year, Altmeyer allegedly told a 13-year-old student that he was “not in God’s favor for failure to overcome his obesity” and referred to the boy as “fatty” and “tubby.”

“Oftentimes (the student, who was not identified) left the classroom in tears because Mr. Altmeyer called him names,” the records state.

The records also say Altmeyer struck students in the chest on at least two occasions and struck a student in the genitals for “not properly completing a maneuver” during basketball practice.

Kim Knigge, mother of Joel Knigge, a former Valley Christian School student and basketball player who said Altmeyer had struck him in the chest, said Monday the state’s findings are affirmation for families whose children were accused of lying.

“It is really hard to find closure when there is no acknowledgment of the truth,” said Kim Knigge.