A Cedar Springs High School teacher will stand trial in Circuit Court for allegedly having sex with one of his students.
63rd District Court Judge Sara Smolenski ruled on January 5 that there was enough probable cause in the case against Jon Jungkind, 44, to bind it over to the 17th Circuit Court for trial.
The student, now an 18-year-old senior, testified that she and Jungkind had sex at his home in August, after talking about her crush on him. She also said she thinks they had sex at least one other time, after a bonfire, but that she was drunk and didn’t remember the date.
The teen said that she became pregnant as a result of their sex in August, and that Jungkind bought her abortion pills to terminate the pregnancy.
Jungkind has taught at Cedar Springs since August 2003. He taught general chemistry, AP chemistry, the science of science fiction, and physics. He was also chair of the science department, and involved as an advisor in some student clubs, such as National Honor Society, and the Eco-club.
He is currently on administrative leave and his pay is being put into an escrow account. The school district filed charges against Jungkind with the state tenure commission, and if the tenure commission decides in the school’s favor, the pay will be returned to the district.

Teacher Jon Jungkind was arrested on CSC charges Tuesday involving a student.

A popular Cedar Springs High School teacher is facing criminal sexual conduct charges involving a student.
Jon Eric Jungkind, 44, of Cedar Springs, was arraigned Wednesday, November 30, on two charges of criminal sexual conduct third degree involving a minor student.
According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, they received information on November 23 about a possible sexual relationship between a teacher at the Cedar Springs High School and his 17-year-old student. The victim told police she had sexual intercourse on two separate occasions this summer with Jungkind, who was her chemistry teacher. The incidents allegedly happened at his home in Nelson Township.
Jungkind’s bond is set at $10,000 (10 percent) with the stipulation that he cannot reside within 10 miles of the Cedar Springs while his case is pending.
According to a press release from Cedar Springs Superintendent Ron McDermed, the allegations against the teacher involve one victim, and do not appear to involve any other students in the district. He said that if parents have any concerns about their student’s interactions with Jungkind, they should call a school administrator or the police department.
“The school district has been proactive, working cooperatively with the Kent County Sheriff’s department in the investigation, and will continue to do so,” said McDermed. He said the school district has also initiated its own investigation.
Jungkind has taught at Cedar Springs since August 2003. He taught general chemistry, AP chemistry, the science of science fiction, and physics. He was also chair of the science department, and involved as an advisor in some student clubs, such as National Honor Society, and the Eco-club.
He is currently on administrative leave from his teaching position.