A North Port middle school is now at the center of a criminal investigation after a Woodland Middle School teacher was arrested Friday on accusations that he inappropriately touched students. Police say 37-year-old Bryan Clum was taken into custody on May 8 and faces three felony counts. He was booked into the county jail and is being held without bond as investigators continue to gather evidence and urge anyone with information to come forward.
According to Tampa Bay 28, the North Port Police Department said Clum was arrested today on three felony charges related to inappropriate touching and was booked into the Sarasota County Jail without bond. The department has not released further details about the alleged incidents because the investigation remains active.
The Sarasota County Schools staff directory lists Clum as a mathematics teacher at Woodland Middle School in North Port, according to Sarasota County Schools. The public staff listing confirms his assignment to the school's math department.
Officials respond
North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison said, "Our hearts are with the students impacted by this case and their families," while Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor said the district "worked closely with the North Port Police Department" and that it "prioritizes student safety," according to Tampa Bay 28. Both officials encouraged anyone affected or with information to contact investigators so detectives can continue their work.
Related cases
The arrest comes after another teacher arrest in the North Port system this spring, when a North Port High School music teacher was taken into custody in March on separate sexual-activity allegations. That earlier case was reported in a report on a music teacher busted in a sex case with a minor, which noted officials had asked the public to call the department tip line.
Investigation and next steps
The North Port Police Department is asking anyone with information to call its non-emergency line at the number listed on the City of North Port website, 941-429-7300, according to City of North Port. Clum was booked into the Sarasota County Jail; the county corrections division handles bookings at 2020 Main Street in Sarasota and can be reached at 941-861-4601, per the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
Legal note
Clum faces three felony counts tied to allegations of inappropriate touching and will be processed through the county courts, with prosecutors determining formal charges as detectives complete their investigation. No court date or charging documents had been posted publicly as of the latest reporting.
