Perrysburg, Ohio — A teacher from Hull Prairie Intermediate School in Perrysburg has been charged with criminal trespassing after allegedly following a student’s bus home to check if the student had completed their homework. The incident, which occurred on March 19, has raised concerns among parents and prompted an investigation by both the school district and local law enforcement.
William Hilt, a sixth-grade social studies teacher, was placed on administrative leave immediately after the district was informed of the incident. Hilt was arraigned on Tuesday morning in Perrysburg Municipal Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of criminal trespassing. A no-contact order was issued as part of the proceedings.
According to the Perrysburg Police Department, the situation came to light after a concerned parent reached out to the principal of Hull Prairie Intermediate School. The parent reported that their child’s teacher had followed the student’s bus home without prior notice or consent. Upon arriving at the family’s home, the teacher reportedly asked the student to retrieve a missing homework assignment, explaining that the class would receive a pizza party if all students completed their assignments.
The student’s father confronted Hilt at the front door, and the teacher allegedly explained that he was simply ensuring the student had finished the homework. However, the parent found the teacher’s actions to be unusual and troubling, leading to the decision to inform school administrators.
The police report also states that the teacher claimed this was not the first time he had followed a student home for similar reasons. Hilt apparently asked the student if it would be acceptable to follow their bus to ensure assignments were completed. This revelation has raised questions about the appropriateness of a teacher monitoring students outside the classroom in such a manner, especially in light of the district’s online portals that allow both students and teachers to communicate and track assignments.
In response to the incident, Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Tom Hosler sent a message to parents, staff, and the broader community. The message emphasized the district’s commitment to ensuring student safety and maintaining professional boundaries between teachers and students.
“We take this situation—and any concerns involving student safety—very seriously,” Hosler wrote. “Perrysburg Schools expects all staff to act with professionalism, good judgment, and respect for appropriate boundaries. When we become aware that an employee’s actions may not align with those expectations, we respond promptly and follow all required legal and contractual procedures.”
As the criminal investigation continues, the school district has stated that Hilt will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the police investigation and the district’s internal review. In the meantime, the district has assured the community that student safety remains a top priority.
Hilt, a leader within the Ohio Council for Social Studies and a former speaker before the Ohio House Primary and Secondary Education Committee, has been a teacher in the Perrysburg district since at least September 2021. However, this incident has cast a shadow on his professional standing, with concerns now being raised about teacher-student interactions and the need for clear boundaries in the educational environment.
While the investigation is still ongoing, the situation highlights the importance of communication between schools, parents, and students to ensure that teachers’ actions remain in line with established ethical guidelines and legal requirements. As this case continues to develop, many are left questioning the balance between a teacher’s duty to support their students and the necessity of maintaining proper professional conduct.