Bainbridge Island Teacher Issued Letter of Concern Over 'Peer-Like' Messages with Students
Former Bainbridge Island High School math teacher and debate coach Vann Berryman was issued a formal Letter of Concern by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The action stems from a September 6, 2023, complaint filed by Bainbridge Island School District Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen, which alleged Berryman engaged in inappropriate, non-sexual interactions with students.
According to the stipulated agreement signed on June 30, 2025, the conduct occurred during the 2022-2023 school year while Berryman was employed on a one-year leave replacement contract.
The OSPI investigation found that Berryman exchanged “several hundred electronic messages” primarily with two female students who were members of the school’s debate team.
While the vast majority of these communications pertained to debate topics and were sent through a district-approved, monitored application, investigators noted that some messages were “peer-like in nature” and were exchanged using personal devices.
During an interview with the Office of Professional Practices, Berryman admitted to discussing personal matters with students and stated that he had “over-stepped his bounds.”
A Non-Disciplinary Resolution
Despite the findings of unprofessional conduct, OSPI determined that a formal disciplinary reprimand was not necessary.
The state concluded that the violation and its consequences were not considered serious, and the interests of the state in protecting students were adequately served by the Letter of Concern.
This letter serves as a non-disciplinary measure that cannot be appealed by the educator. However, the agreement notes that the letter may be used in future investigations and discipline by the OPP if similar violations occur in the future.
As part of the agreement, Berryman agreed not to continue or repeat the conduct.