DANBURY — Parents of students in a Broadview Middle School special education class again demanded information about an investigation into their children’s teacher at the Danbury school board meeting Wednesday night.

The parents are upset about what they say are unanswered questions surrounding the sudden removal of long-time Broadview educator Bill Herzog in May and they have taken their complaints public at the board’s meeting this month and last.

“We just want answers,” said Bob Evans, whose twin sons were in Herzog’s class and came to the meeting. “They’re not telling us everything and we only want (the school board) to give us basic information that we deserve.”

Herzog remains on unpaid leave during a state investigation amid accusations he has used “harsh and arguably abusive” language with his students to try to control his classroom, according to portions of his personnel file made public last week.

It is the second such investigation into Herzog’s conduct this school year, including previous allegations he forced one student to clean up mucus she had spread on the floor and stuffed a rag in one student’s mouth to discourage him from humming, the documents show. Herzog has defended the mucus incident and denied the rag accusation in a letter included in the files, but he was still reprimanded by Superintendent Sal Pascarella.

About a dozen parents of students in Herzog’s class have remained outspoken supporters of him in the wake of both investigations and argue the district has not been forthright about the circumstances of his departure. They were infuriated last month when school officials cut off their comments about Herzog, citing privacy concerns about the ongoing investigation.

Board Chairman Pat Johnston announced the board would take the parents’ comments Wednesday, however, and read a statement outlining rules that the parents not make specific references to any names involved in the investigation.

Instead, parents and two former students of Herzog referred to him only as “BH” or “Mr. H” while speaking in support of his character. Several have argued his absence has led their children with severe educational and behavioral needs to regress.

“BH is not only a teacher, he is a role model, a volunteer and he is an outstanding leader in his field,” said Theresa Lopez, whose son was in Herzog’s class. “He is a teacher that all teachers should set their standards by.”

Lori Hickey, whose son is now at Danbury High School, argued the school board should investigate district administrators’ handling of the situation.

“We the parents need to know the administration is also a member of that team and truly working with us, not against us,” she said.

School officials have refused to discuss the situation with parents and a reporter, citing the ongoing investigation. Herzog also is barred from discussing any of the incidents, per a reprimand filed against him following the first investigation.

Last month, Herzog was honored again as one of 22 teachers nationwide — and the only one from Connecticut — to receive the Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award given each year by the National Association of Special Education Teachers.

zach.murdock@hearstmediact.com