A Roland-Story Middle School teacher has resigned following an investigation into inappropriate communication with students. Colden (Cole) Carlson, who taught sixth grade social studies, stepped down after the school district determined he engaged in unauthorized social media and other conduct with students.

The Roland-Story School Board accepted Carlson's resignation during a special meeting on February 16, citing "personal reasons" rather than termination. The investigation began in January when the district received reports of alleged inappropriate communications between a staff member and a student. Law enforcement was notified, and Carlson was placed on paid administrative leave pending the probe.

While Carlson is not currently facing criminal charges, the district emphasized that his alleged conduct violated school board policy for "Employee Appearance and Conduct." The resignation comes amid heightened scrutiny of educator-student boundaries and follows similar cases in other Iowa districts. The school district stated it would cooperate fully with ongoing investigations while maintaining limited public comment on the personnel matter.