Trial date set for former Bartlett teacher accused of pouring nitrogen on student
A longtime Bartlett High School chemistry teacher accused of pouring liquid nitrogen on a student during a science experiment last spring has set his case for trial rather than accepting a plea agreement.
DuPage County Judge James Konetski set a July 22 jury trial date for Garry Brodersen, 64, of the 0-10 block of North Grove Street in Carpentersville. Brodersen is free on $1,500 bail. He was charged with misdemeanor reckless conduct in late June 2018 after, court documents allege, his actions left the student with burns to his groin and a finger.
A cellphone video purporting to show the experiment was posted on social media. The student was lying on his back in the classroom when a small amount of the liquid nitrogen was poured on the boy's chest, with the liquid evaporating as it hit the air. After a few seconds, a much larger amount was poured on the boy's groin. The boy immediately jumped to his feet in apparent pain.
Elgin Area School District U-46 placed Brodersen on paid leave pending an investigation shortly after the case came to light. On Wednesday, district spokeswoman Mary Fergus said Brodersen is no longer with the district.