For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018

News Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Cohasset Middle/High School Principal Placed on Leave, District Commissions Administrative Investigation into Handling of Alleged Misconduct

COHASSET — Cohasset Superintendent of Schools Louise L. Demas reports that Cohasset Middle/High School Principal Carolyn Connolly has been placed on paid administrative leave, and the district has commissioned an independent administrative investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding allegations brought to the attention of the district of alleged sexual misconduct by a teacher.

Connolly was placed on leave today following our district’s recent receipt of information concerning this matter.

The school district has hired an independent investigator not affiliated with the schools, to conduct an administrative, independent review to determine what, if any, rules violations or performance failures by Cohasset Public Schools staff occurred.

Superintendent Demas will meet with concerned parents this evening and will listen to family concerns and respond to questions. No cameras or broadcast equipment are allowed on school grounds.

“I have concerns, and I share in the concerns of our community members. I want to hear from parents in our community,” Superintendent Demas said. “I think everyone understands that there are certain things I cannot speak about due to the ongoing criminal investigation, but I want to make clear that I intend to take the findings of the independent investigation seriously, and I am prepared to make the necessary decisions to ensure all procedures all strictly followed for the benefit and safety of all our Cohasset students.

“My office has cooperated fully with the police investigation and the Norfolk District’s Attorney’s Office.”

Prior to the beginning of the school year, the district conducted its periodic training of all employees, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, teachers and administrators, on mandatory reporting procedures. On Oct. 12, all faculty and administrators will have a full day of professional development with the assistance of the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Children and Families and Massachusetts Advocates for Children.

In late August, Cohasset Police issued a criminal complaint against a Cohasset Middle School teacher concerning disturbing allegations of inappropriate conduct toward a student. Jeffrey Knight, who has been employed at Cohasset Middle School as a STEM teacher since August 2011, has been on administrative leave since the start of that investigation.

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