Kansas town rocked after educator accused of sexually assaulting two elementary school students

LAWRENCE, KS - This suburb of Topeka, the capital of Kansas, was rocked after it was revealed that an employee at the Prairie Park Elementary School sexually assaulted two students, Lawrence police say. 

The Lawrence Times reports that last Friday, February 7, the staff member allegedly assaulted a student. The concerned parent notified authorities the next day. 

“A concerned parent of one student called police Saturday morning about events that occurred during the school day,” on Friday, a news release read. “...Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim. That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school.” 

Police said they “quickly uncovered evidence” that led to Mark Elliott Gridley, a 60-year-old speech and language pathologist, the release said. 

Gridly was charged by the district attorney with one count each of aggravated indecent liberties with a child younger than 14 and kidnapping, both felonies. The two charges involved only one child; however, prosecutors can add additional charges to include additional victims or file separate cases, the Times said. 

Grigely was held on a $1.5 million bond at the Douglas County jail. 

School district documents show the suspect has been employed since August 2021. The Times contacted the district’s spokesperson for further information about Gridley, including what buildings he worked in, but received no response. 

Authorities said they are working with school administrators, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, and the district attorney’s office “to ensure all expert services coordinate to uncover the complete scope of the potential harm and crimes committed,” the release said. 

“The district immediately relieved the individual of all duties” upon learning of the allegations, Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift wrote in an email to families. “School and district administration continue to work closely alongside our law enforcement partners to support their investigative efforts. We will keep staff and families informed as the investigation progresses.” 

The district has also activated its crisis support team to work with families of students who may have worked with the suspect. 

‘Our district has the highest standards for our employees, who are entrusted to care for, educate, and support our community’s children,” Swift wrote. “When a safety concern is reported, our administrative team immediately investigates, including involving local law enforcement, as appropriate. Based on the findings of the investigation, we take decisive action in accordance with the law and Lawrence Board of Education policy.” 

The department's release said authorities are refusing to release the children's ages to protect their identities. 

The department urges parents to come forward if they are concerned about their child having contact with Gridley. 

“We ask that any parent who may have concerns about their child’s interaction with Gridley, please contact law enforcement before discussing it in-depth with your child,” the department’s release read. “Lawrence Police and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County are here and ready to talk to you and your child. They are trained to address these issues while limiting the traumatic impact these discussions have on young victims.” 

State records show that Gridley was licensed as a speech-language pathologist in Kansas in 2008, receiving a temporary license. He received a full license in 2011, and it expires this October. 

He previously worked for the Seaman school district, which includes parts of Topeka. He resigned in July 2021 and started working with Lawrence Public Schools. A LinkedIn page shows that he appeared to begin working in Seaman in August 2015, where he was listed as a special education teacher at Logan Elementary School in 2015 district documents.