New Fairfield Superintendent Ken Craw cut right to the chase in two letters sent to the school community.  In his first letter on Wednesday, January 18, he acknowledged that administrators had “received reports of off-campus, inappropriate conduct by a staff member, including one or more explicit videos circulating within the community on social media.” Craw went on to reassure families that the staff member in question had been placed on administrative leave. A second letter on Thursday, January 19 delivered the news that the staff member had resigned.

With rumors and videos flying wild among the high school population, another letter was sent by Principal James D’Amico on January 18, reminding students that the “spreading of rumors and allegations, as well as pictures and videos that are embarrassing, graphic, or even pornographic in nature are detrimental to that community and individuals in it.” He went on to stress the potential repercussions by saying, “In particular, the sharing of pornographic images and videos is both a violation of school rules and the law.” 

“We are deeply troubled by these allegations,” Craw stressed in his initial letter, going on to say that the district is working closely with the New Fairfield Police Department. Despite the resignation, and as required by law,  the district will continue to conduct a full investigation into the alleged misconduct in conjunction with the police department.

Craw emphasized that communication lines will remain open to students and families and requests the same in return. “We ask that parents and students continue to report all concerns to us, so that the administration can follow up quickly.” He encouraged the community to use the district’s Speak Up for Safety tool by sharing information by email at speakup@newfairfieldschools.org or by calling or texting 203-601-6556.

Questions regarding what the high school might do to prevent this from happening in the future and whether the district plans to provide additional professional development for staff were met with no comment. Craw ended his second communication by saying, “I am not in a position to speak to any further details on this matter given the pending investigation. However, please know the district remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety of students.”

By Sarah Opdahl