A law firm has filed a tort claim against an art teacher and a central Indiana school district, accusing the educator of inappropriate touching of students at North Madison Elementary School in Camby. The claim also targets school leaders for failing to act on complaints and report the issues to police, sparking concerns about child safety in classrooms.
Allegations of Inappropriate Behavior Emerge
Parents at North Madison Elementary School first raised alarms several months ago. They told attorneys that their children faced unwanted physical contact from James Buchler, who started teaching art there for the 2024-2025 school year.
The claims describe repeated incidents where Buchler allegedly touched students in ways that made them uncomfortable. Families say they reported these issues to school staff, but nothing changed right away. This delay, according to the law firm, broke rules that require schools to alert law enforcement about possible abuse.
One parent shared that their child felt scared to go to art class. The situation came to light when more families connected and sought legal help. Attorneys are now digging deeper, talking to witnesses and reviewing school records.
Investigators point out that quick action could have stopped further harm. In similar cases across Indiana, delays in reporting have led to bigger problems, like in a recent Butler County case where a teacher faced charges after months of ignored warnings.
Buchler’s Past Roles in Northeast Indiana
Before moving to Camby, James Buchler spent over a decade teaching elementary students in Allen County. He worked at several schools in the East Allen County School Corporation, including Heritage Elementary, Leo Elementary, and Woodlan Elementary.
He also taught in Fort Wayne Community Schools. Buchler left his last position in East Allen at the end of the 2023-2024 school year through a voluntary resignation.
Former colleagues and parents in those districts are now watching closely. Some wonder if similar issues happened there but went unreported. Education experts say teachers moving between districts can sometimes hide past problems if background checks miss red flags.
In recent years, Indiana has seen a rise in teacher misconduct cases. State data from 2024 shows over 50 educators faced license reviews for similar allegations, up from 35 in 2023. This trend highlights gaps in hiring and oversight.
Here is a quick look at Buchler’s known teaching history:
- Heritage Elementary (East Allen County Schools)
- Leo Elementary (East Allen County Schools)
- Woodlan Elementary (East Allen County Schools)
- Various roles in Fort Wayne Community Schools
- North Madison Elementary (Mooresville Consolidated Schools, starting 2024)
Law Firm Steps In with Tort Claim
CohenMalad, the Indianapolis-based law firm, took on the case after parents reached out. They filed the tort claim this week, seeking damages for negligence and harm to the children.
The claim argues that Mooresville Consolidated Schools knew about the complaints but did not protect students. Attorneys say this failure violated state laws on child protection. They are urging more families to share stories, especially from Buchler’s time in Allen County.
To help readers understand the process, here is a simple table outlining key steps in a tort claim like this:
| Step | Description | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Filing the Claim | Submit notice to the school district detailing allegations and demands | Within 180 days of incident |
| Investigation | Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review documents | 1-3 months |
| Negotiation | Discuss settlement with the district’s lawyers | 3-6 months |
| Lawsuit if Needed | File a formal court case if no agreement | After negotiation fails |
| Resolution | Possible trial or out-of-court settlement | Up to 2 years |
This structure shows how such cases unfold, giving families a roadmap for what might come next.
Responses from Involved Schools
East Allen County Schools stated they have no current ties to Buchler since his resignation over a year ago. They claim no knowledge of the new allegations but are cooperating if needed.
Fort Wayne Community Schools has not yet commented in detail. North Madison Elementary and its district are reviewing the claim, with officials promising to prioritize student safety.
These responses come amid growing calls for better training on spotting and reporting abuse. In 2025, Indiana lawmakers passed new rules requiring annual abuse prevention workshops for all school staff.
What This Means for Parents and Schools
Cases like this remind parents to talk openly with their kids about boundaries. Signs of trouble can include sudden changes in behavior or fear of certain classes.
Schools nationwide are updating policies. For example, a 2025 federal report found that one in ten students faces some form of educator misconduct by high school graduation. Indiana ranks in the middle, but experts push for stricter checks.
Parents with concerns can reach out to local child services or hotlines. Building trust starts with clear communication between families and schools.
If this story resonates with you, share it with others to raise awareness. Leave a comment below on how schools can better protect kids your thoughts could spark important discussions.
