KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne reports on stories in Overland Park, Johnson County and topics about government accountability. Share your story idea with Isabella.
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The Raytown School District said Monday night it has placed Raytown South High School Principal John Williams on administrative leave while the district conducts an investigation.
According to a district spokesperson, the district learned of "new information" Monday afternoon regarding Williams.
"We will review the information and look into the situation, just as we would any other personnel matter," the spokesperson said Monday in a statement to KSHB 41 News.
Williams will remain on administrative leave during the investigation.
"We understand that staff and parents may have questions about this situation," the spokesperson said. "Given that this is a personnel matter, we are unable to provide further details."
The district did, however, share a document sent to families Tuesday outlining Raytown's hiring practices.
"Background checks are based on information available at the time of hire," the document stated. "Situations may arise after employment begins. The district is alerted to those situations through Rap Back. When the district becomes aware of information that could impact student or staff safety, we act promptly and in accordance with district policy."
Online court records reveal Williams was arrested on Nov. 29, 2025, in Johnson County, Kansas, on a warrant out of Illinois.
Williams posted a $10,000 bond on Dec. 1 and was released from custody.
He appeared before a Johnson County District Court judge on Dec. 11. The judge set the next hearing date for March 11.
Williams' attorney confirmed Monday night his client remains in Kansas, where he resides. Neither Williams nor his attorney had any further comment regarding the ongoing investigations.
KSHB 41's JuYeon Kim followed up on the story Tuesday. She reached out to several agencies:
- She contacted the Monroe County Circuit Clerk’s Office multiple times via phone and email to find out more about the initial charges in Illinois. Kim did not hear back, and court records from Monroe County were not available online.
- When she reached out to the Waterloo Police Department, she received this response: "Our department did not handle this case and we do not have any reports relating to John Williams. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful."
- Kim also reached out to the state’s attorney for Monroe County and did not hear back.
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