Lucas Ackerson. Source: AZ Family
The resignation of Saguaro High School Athletic Director Lucas Ackerson following allegations of inappropriate messaging with a middle school student has sent shockwaves through the Scottsdale community. While Scottsdale police determined there wasn’t sufficient evidence for criminal charges, the incident represents a deeply troubling breach of trust that every parent must take seriously. The student’s father, speaking at the school board meeting, revealed that his family initially viewed Ackerson as a mentor, but “it turned out to be a predatory type thing.”
This pattern should alarm every parent. An adult in a position of authority messaging a child through personal social media channels, creating situations for private contact, and leveraging their professional role to maintain access: these are classic warning signs of grooming behavior, whether or not they meet the legal threshold for criminal prosecution.
Credit is due to Scottsdale Unified for acting swiftly once the family came forward. The father noted that when they walked into the Saguaro office unannounced, Ackerson was removed from campus within an hour. The district immediately reported the incident to both police and the State Board of Education and accepted his resignation. SUSD’s clear policy prohibiting staff from communicating with students outside approved platforms like Synergy, district email, and ParentSquare exists precisely to prevent situations like this.
But policies alone won’t protect our children. Parents must be proactive partners in safeguarding their kids from predators and inappropriate behavior.
Talk openly and often. Create an environment where your children feel comfortable discussing uncomfortable situations. Ask specific questions about their interactions with teachers, coaches, and administrators. Don’t wait for them to bring it up; many children respond out of fear or confusion rather than recognizing the inappropriate nature of the contact.
Know the warning signs. Adults who single out children for special attention, communicate through private channels, create situations for one-on-one contact, or make children feel responsible for keeping secrets are exhibiting grooming behaviors. Trust your instincts and your child’s discomfort.
Monitor digital communication. While respecting appropriate privacy for older children, parents should maintain awareness of who is contacting their kids through social media, gaming platforms, and other digital channels. Any adult from school reaching out through personal accounts rather than official channels should raise immediate red flags.
Teach boundaries early. Children need to understand that adults in positions of authority should never ask them to keep secrets, should communicate through official channels, and should never make them feel uncomfortable or afraid. Empower them to say no and to report immediately.
Report concerns immediately. If something feels wrong, contact school administrators right away. This family’s courage in coming forward likely prevented this situation from escalating and may have protected other students. Don’t worry about being wrong—worry about staying silent.
The vast majority of educators are dedicated professionals who would never cross these lines. But one predator is too many, and vigilance is the price of keeping our children safe. This incident reminds us that protection requires partnership between schools, parents, and most importantly, empowering children to speak up when adults violate their trust.