Hinsdale South Teacher Too Chummy With Students: District

HINSDALE, IL – A Hinsdale South High School teacher was described by superiors as crossing boundaries with students.

Earlier this month, the District 86 school board reprimanded music teacher Chris Gumban, who was given a "notice to remedy."

He did not return a message for comment.

According to a district report, Gumban confided in students about his personal problems, including discussions about his romantic life.

He was also said to have allowed students to wear his jacket, which the district said "exemplifies a lack of judgment."

Patch obtained the documents about Gumban through a public records request.

In its resolution, the board found Gumban's conduct to be unsatisfactory and in violation of a board policy.

If such conduct continues, it may warrant Gumban's firing, the board said.

Last school year, the report said Gumban "failed to maintain professional boundaries with students through email that clearly show you referred to students with personalized endearments that suggest a unique and overly familiar relationship and several emojis were used in conversations with certain students."

Gumban met alone with students outside the view of others, with the doors and blinds closed, the report said. He was also accused of using his personal cellphone to contact students, rather than using the district's Remind101 application.

Gumban also ignored clear statements that indicated students needed to speak with a social worker or counselor, according to the report.

After being put on notice that a student needed counseling services, Gumban failed to notify the administration and took it upon himself to advise the student without being licensed to provide therapeutic services or professional help, the district said.

Gumban was directed on Sept. 25, 2024, and Oct. 3, 2024, to refer students in such situations to the appropriate counseling employees, according to the report. However, he failed to follow the order and continued to take matters into his own hands, the district said.

A graduate of Illinois State University, Gumban started at Hinsdale South in 2019. He previously worked at Metamora Township High School near Peoria.

Gumban's salary was $75,000 in the 2023-24 school year, according to the district's online compensation report.

Last month, the board issued a reprimand to a Hinsdale Central music teacher, alleging frequent tardiness.

The board also reprimanded teachers in 2022 and 2023.