Woodland Middle School Teacher Arrested On Felony Charges After Allegations of Inappropriately Touching Students

Woodland Middle School Teacher Accused Of Inappropriately Touching Students

A Woodland Middle School teacher is behind bars on Friday. North Port Police Department investigators arrested Bryan Clum following allegations that the Florida middle school teacher inappropriately touched students.

Teacher Arrested For Allegedly Touching Students Inappropriately

Bryan Clum, 37, was taken into custody Friday after an investigation was launched based on allegations of inappropriate contact with students. Clum now faces three felony charges related to the inappropriate touching and is currently being held at the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

School District Responds to Teacher's Arrest

Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor confirmed that district officials worked in close coordination with law enforcement throughout the investigation.

"Upon receiving these allegations, we worked closely with the North Port Police Department throughout this investigation," Connor said. "Our number one responsibility is, and always will be, protecting the safety and security of our students."

Connor made clear that the district has zero tolerance for this type of conduct. "Any allegation of inappropriate behavior involving students is taken extremely seriously and will not be tolerated. We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as this investigation moves forward."

Police Chief Addresses The Community Following Report of Sexual Abuse at Middle School

North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison moved to reassure the broader community, stressing that the alleged conduct stands in stark contrast to the character of the vast majority of educators in the area.

Garrison emphasized that this case does not reflect the overwhelming majority of teachers and school staff in the community who work every day to support, educate, and care for students.

Authorities confirmed that this investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the North Port Police Department at 941-429-7300.

The factual information above was sourced from winknews.com as of May 28, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

What Legal Options Do Victims Have When a Teacher Commits Sexual Abuse? 

When a teacher betrays the trust placed in them by students and families, the path forward can feel overwhelming. Beyond the criminal justice process, survivors and their families have civil legal rights that many are simply unaware of. To help affected families understand those rights, Michael Haggard, a seasoned Florida sexual abuse attorney with years of experience representing survivors of institutional abuse, discusses the legal options available to students who have been sexually abused by a teacher and what families should know from the moment abuse comes to light.

Editor Darla Medina: When a student is sexually abused by a teacher, most people think about the criminal side of things. But there is also a civil legal process. Can you walk us through that?

Attorney Michael Haggard: Absolutely. The criminal case is handled by the state — that is between the government and the accused. But victims and their families also have the independent right to file a civil lawsuit. That means they can take legal action to recover compensation for the physical harm, emotional trauma, therapy costs, and long-term damages the abuse has caused.

Medina: Can families also hold the school or school district accountable, not just the individual who committed the abuse?

Haggard: Yes, and this is something families often do not realize. Schools and districts have a legal duty to protect students. If administrators received complaints, ignored warning signs, or failed to properly screen or supervise staff, they may share legal responsibility. Institutions can be held liable when their negligence allowed the abuse to happen or continue.

Medina: What about the statute of limitations? Are there time restrictions on when a victim can come forward?

Haggard: Florida has made significant strides for survivors in recent years. Depending on the circumstances and the age of the victim at the time of the abuse, there may be more time to file a civil claim than people expect. That said, I always urge families not to wait. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to locate. The sooner a family consults with an attorney, the stronger their position.

Medina: What would you say to a parent whose child has just disclosed abuse by a teacher?

Haggard: First, believe your child. Then document everything — what was said, when it was said, and any physical or behavioral changes you have noticed. Report it to law enforcement immediately. And then contact an attorney who handles these cases. You do not have to navigate this alone, and there are legal tools specifically designed to protect children and hold wrongdoers accountable.

You Have Rights — And You Do Not Have To Face This Alone

If your child has been sexually abused by a teacher or any school staff member, time matters. Our firm offers a free, confidential consultation to help you understand your legal rights and the options available to your family. You do not have to navigate this painful process without support. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to speak directly with an experienced sexual abuse attorney who will listen, guide you, and fight for the justice your family deserves.