Ex-Middletown schools chief 'more likely than not' made sexual advances RELATED: 'There are not two sides': Southlake teachers reportedly told to offer 'opposing' viewpoint of Holocaust. Oct. 18, 2021 Updated: Oct. 18, 2021 9:55 p.m. She is an award-winning multimedia journalist and resident of the North End of Middletown who has been reporting nearly every facet of the city for over two decades. Minnesota Republicans Continue Calls for Tax Cuts amid Budget Surplus, Croms Crommentary: Biden Is Such a Grifter That He Just Simply Doesnt Understand What Hes Doing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2QD4895DU0. The board announced the investigation had concluded April 5. Without identifying the staffer or detailing the conduct, it concluded that he more likely than not had made unwanted advances. Michigan man suing Olive Garden for rat leg in soup, MIDDLETOWN BOE _ Summary Report of Central Office Investigation Findings, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. After Tragedy, Clinton Teachers Claim Age Discrimination - CT Examiner Anyone who has worked with Ms. Cannata knows well that she has an exceptional ability to navigate challenging situations with remarkable grace, humor, and humility, all the while holding firm to what is right and what needs to be done, Vazquez Matos said in the news release. The complaint, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut on June 8, alleged a pattern of gender discrimination against Macri and other female employees at Middletown Public Schools, and that Macri was subjected to repeated sexual harassment and outright sexual assault from Conner. Macri suffered from such severe mental and physical distress that she had no choice but to leave the job and community she loved in order to escape the abuse, according to the complaint. Is the board going to make diversity a priority when making future hires. The Board wishes Dr. Conner well in his future endeavors. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Fox61 News reported a statement Friday regarding Conners resignation by Middletown Public Schools: Dr. Conner has provided his notice of resignation as Superintendent of Middletown Public Schools to Chairperson Deborah Cain. In another instance, in November of that year, Macri was in Conners office, and Conner attempted to kiss her while blocking the door so that she could not leave. Updated: Nov 16, 2021 / 11:19 PM EST MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) New developments in the ongoing controversy in Middletown over allegations of harassment within the school system. Inside new Middletown schools superintendent's contract CT school superintendent resigns amid administration scrutiny | fox61.com MIDDLETOWN Former Assistant Superintendent Enza Macri has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Education and former Superintendent Michael Conner alleging that the Board of Education and district administration failed to address repeated instances of sexual harassment and "outright sexual assault" by Conner during his tenure with the district. "There's so many things that have been going on here for years and it's always swept under the rug," D'Antonio said. After an investigative report found alleged sexual harassment and other management misconduct, Middletown schools are looking for a new leader. Board Chair Deborah Cain could not be reached Tuesday evening, but Mayor Ben Florsheim said he believes the school system is ready to rebuild. Back 2 School Community Day: Here's What You Need To Know, How To Beat The End-Of-Summer Blues In Middletown, Summer Passes For The Veterans Pool Available Starting Wednesday, Middletown Home To CT's First-Ever Cosmetology Apprenticeship Program, Middletown's Newest Business Has Soft, Fluffy And Creamy Marshmallows. Mayor Benjamin Florsheim told CT Examiner that Macri was not a City of Middletown employee. Today, May 16, the summary report from the seven-month investigation into the anonymous allegations against me were released. Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff. The probe was launched Nov. 1, when outside BOE counsel Shipman & Goodwin signed a contract with Thompson Hine to conduct the investigation. Ex-School Administrator Sues Former Middletown Superintendent - MSN The findings released by the school board does not identify the alleged victim of the unwelcomed advances. In January, the board said he had been put on administrative leave pending an independent investigation commissioned by its legal firm, Shipman & Goodwin. The complaint alleges that Conners behavior and comments continued through the end of the school year and into the following one. Conner declined to comment, instead directing CT Examiner to a statement published on the Middletown Eye in the aftermath of an investigation into the complaints brought to the Board of Education in October by the firm Thompson Hine. Although not always definitive, the findings of fact highlight areas of deficiency in the administration and operation of the school district which are generally consistent with many of the allegations presented to the board in the fall of 2021. Minor minor league infielder Cristopher Larez suspended 56 games for A New Haven County woman contracted West Nile virus, and this is the first human case of West Nile Virus-associated . Florsheim urged the school board to include parents and others in that work, saying I ask for full transparency and community involvement in the boards next steps for the district.. Conner could not be reached for comment, but gave a statement to The Middletown Press denying any wrongdoing. This evidence was ignored, Conner wrote. We are proud of our front-line union members who showed great courage in coming forward to participate in the investigation. The letter, which was shared on Dr. Conners social media on Friday, February 25, contained language and references that were interpreted as threatening and hateful. Lets [sic] us continue to discuss in classrooms as well the shoulders of women who demonstrated progress, voice, and strength.. Last Thursday evening, February 24, I learned shortly after 8 pm that police had been called to respond to a report of a disturbing letter received at the home of Dr. Michael Conner and Viviana Conner in Middletown. Since then, Passavant, who declined to speak with NBC Connecticut on camera today, said he has sent Conner several letters to Middletown Public Schools administrative offices before. 860-638-1401. Middletown police say the states attorneys office found the writers action was not criminal. Instead, the Board of Education allowed an out-of-state law firm to open the investigation to further grievances (now, as it appears, mostly baseless) that were beyond the original scope of the false and anonymous allegations, he added. Florsheim said while the results from both investigations are pending, he wants people to know their safety in his city is top priority. Jackson also suggested the option of placing the superintendent alone on paid leave until the investigation was completed. Comments Middletown Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media MIDDLETOWN Superintendent of Schools. The report also concluded that Gaylord did not regularly make rude or insensitive comments to employees, raised his voice at them, and otherwise engaged in unprofessional conduct, as well as other findings. Inaugural Q Williams Taste Of Middletown Set For October, Meriden Motorcycle 24 Hour Fundraiser For Camp Nerden 7-21 & 7-22-23. Most of the remaining charges against me were dismissed by the investigators outright.. Starting as a teacher at Farm Hill Elementary School, Cannata has also held the positions of Reading Recovery Teacher (Spencer), Elementary Technology Specialist (Moody), Elementary Instructional Support Teacher (Moody and Macdonough), Principal (Snow and Moody). The board agreed but gave no detailed account of what was happening. By mid-October, the Middletown Union Coalition took the matter public by telling the council at an open meeting that it was losing hope of getting any resolution. This came about as the district was enveloped in a communitywide debate on the district's lack of staff diversity andalleged resistance to change. "There are multiple superintendent positions opened up in the region," said school board president John Williamsabout why it was important to keep talent like Creeden in the district. Educating for ALL is worth good trouble#CallItOut pic.twitter.com/DIJIlmHHVr, Dr. Michael T. Conner (@DocConner13) February 25, 2022, Since the investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed, CT Post said it is withholding the identity of the person whose name and signature appeared on the cover letter to the packet mailed to Conner., The screenshots of the letter posted to Twitter contained highlighted passages, including lyrics from Simon & Garfunkels The Sound of Silence., The letter presented in the screen shot also said the writer was including a grouping of inspirational quotes by the Rev. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. People thatwouldn't speak up because they're afraid to," said Jim D'Antonio, former custodial manager for the district. Macri refused out of fear that Dr. Middletown Public School Directories Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. "There's a lot of us that worked here that were treated very badly and had to leave for our health. The letter said in part, "We have lost many valued employees with dedicated years of service who have gone to other districts and in some cases for less pay. Our union coalition intends to work with both the board of education and city leaders to prevent a repeat of the systemic problems that prompted the investigation, the Middletown Union Coalition said in a statement Monday. Board of Education Contracts | Middletown, CT Tribal health workers arent paid like their peers. The appointment was effective immediately. Thank you for the swift and immediate support! Aug. 21, 2023. Employment Contract for Superintendent of Schools. Even though the board did not conduct a search for Middletown's next district leader, Williams said the workshop helped board members identify the qualitiesthey wanted in the next superintendent. The chairwoman would not answer whether the superintendent will be on paid or unpaid leave. During his tenure, Dr. Enza Macri claims she endured years of sexual harassment b This was in response to allegations by current and former employees about intimidation, harassment, and retaliation by central office senior management, Child dies after being struck by a car in Danbury, Danbury police investigating after child fatally struck by car, Federal legislation proposed to protect Coast Guard Academy cadets who file sexual assault reports, FORECAST: Another dry, sunny day before showers return, More than 800 still missing after deadly Maui wildfires, Former Vernon teacher charged in child pornography, voyeurism investigation, 'There are not two sides': Southlake teachers reportedly told to offer 'opposing' viewpoint of Holocaust, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Rumors about complaints of workplace harassment and intimidation in the school system swirled through the first half of 2021, but the school board said nothing publicly. Middletown BOE votes Aug. 26 on $225k contract for new superintendent Inaugural Q Williams Taste Of Middletown Set For October, Meriden Motorcycle 24 Hour Fundraiser For Camp Nerden 7-21 & 7-22-23. The superintendent of Middletown Public Schools in Connecticut, who has been on paid leave due to an investigation into allegations of misconduct by top district officials, has resigned suddenly, claiming he received threats and a racist letter. He is among those who rallied outside of the meeting, standing in support of the employees who came forward with the complaint. Was a shark on the interstate? Both board members who opposed Creedens appointment -- Kevin Gomez and Nicole Hewson -- said they objected to the lack of transparency surrounding the search process and not Creedens ability to do the job. Lavorgna declined to comment on the probe, saying the Board of Education does not comment on personnel matters. This is not a definitive charge, but another character-damaging insinuation based on a one-sided, anonymous, and I repeat, false accusation, he wrote. The report capped a year of turmoil in the upper ranks of the school administration, and its still unclear how the school board will deal with two other senior administrators whose conduct was condemned by investigators. Former superintendent Michael Conner resigned March 3, citing fear for his familys safety as a result of a hate packet he received from a former students relative that contained death threats.. MIDDLETOWN, CT The former Middletown associate superintendent of schools claims in a lawsuit that she faced years of sexual harassment by former Superintendent Michael Conner and. In 2022 Otte was awarded "Rookie of the Year," by the New England Newspaper & Press Association. Conner and two other top Middletown Public Schools administrators are under investigation by the Board of Education after allegations raised last October by district and city employees about retaliation, mistreatment, and conditions creating a hostile work environment. Before being named Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Cannata was the Director of Performance Management and Strategic Processes, a district-level position that was eliminated as Superintendent Alberto Vazquez Matos reorganizes the Superintendents Cabinet, according to the news release. The group made allegations of its own, that employees' complaints were racially motivated. This lawsuit comes in the wake of multiple complaints of bullying, gross sexual harassment, nepotism and patterns of unprofessional conduct dating to 2018 that were brought to the City of Middletown and the Board of Education in October. She will also supervise the Operations Department while the districts chief of operations position is temporarily vacant, according to a news release. The investigative team specified that it had interviewed numerous administrators and other school staff, but said he declined to speak. But as board chair I needed something concrete to bring to the boards lawyers so that I could receive proper legal guidance. Dr. Conner was featured in AASA's School Administrator Magazine for his article entitled What Mentoring Means to a New Superintendent of Color. Employment Contract Executive Director of Operations. Example video title will go here for this video. Lets us continue to discuss in classrooms as well the shoulders of women who demonstrated progress, voice, and strength.#ChangeTheWorld pic.twitter.com/cxBVlJnsHS, Being raised by four black women built an amazing foundation for who I am today, Conner wrote. Posted Tue, Mar 8, 2022 at 3:04 pm ET . The Press reported that Conner submitted a letter of resignation late last week, citing recent threats to him and his family that caused him to reevaluate personal priorities., Mayor Ben Florsheim recently announced that Middletown police are investigating after a "disturbing letter" was sent to Conners home. The report did not substantiate allegations that Gaylord did not handle Title IX matters propertly, but did conclude it was more likely than not he knew of them. All rights reserved. MIDDLETOWN, CT Milford resident Michael T. Conner has been hired by the Middletown Board of Education as the district's next superintendent of schools. Email tips to [emailprotected] Middletown Public Schools Superintendent Michael T. Conner was placed on leave at his own request Monday night as the Board of Education grapples with allegations of harassment and intimidation . Both groups are in favor of an independent investigation into the allegations. Middletown schools investigation concludes some allegations against superintendent 'more likely than not' true Emilia Otte covers health and education for the Connecticut Examiner. A second group was also rallying outside of the meeting, in support of Conner and other central office staff. 2023 www.recordonline.com. On behalf of the Board, Chair Cain accepted Dr. Conners resignation, effective immediately. In his statement, Conner maintains that he is unequivocally and completely innocent of the alleged accusations.. The lawsuit claims that both the Board of Education and the City of Middletown created a hostile work environment, and engaged in retaliation and failure to supervise.. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. I believed Enza then and now. Back 2 School Community Day: Here's What You Need To Know, How To Beat The End-Of-Summer Blues In Middletown, Summer Passes For The Veterans Pool Available Starting Wednesday, Middletown Home To CT's First-Ever Cosmetology Apprenticeship Program, Middletown's Newest Business Has Soft, Fluffy And Creamy Marshmallows. Photo Middletown High School by Middletown Schools. Severalcommunitymembers had called for the board to bring in a new superintendent andadministration that would better reflect the diversity of the Middletown community. Cannata, a lifelong Middletown resident, has spent all but one year of her career with Middletown Public Schools. NEW YORK (AP) Mets minor league infielder Cristopher Larez was suspended Monday for 56 games under baseball's minor league drug program following a positive test for . In May of 2018, Conner allegedly made explicitly sexual comments to Macri while they were alone in his office. Commenting on the alleged sexual and romantic advances, which the former superintendent termed the most serious allegation, Conner pointed out the more likely than not wording. @bdflorsheim @bobbyeknoll #Sad, Dr. Michael T. Conner (@DocConner13) March 2, 2022. Racism? According to board president John Williams, the district decided in recent months not to proceed with a search and didnot advertise the position to the public. That is something that cannot and will not be tolerated; harassment, intimidation of public officials of anybody its not something that we can use to determine public discourse to settle our public issues, Florsheim said. Conner tweeted photos of the letter, which was apparently dated January 28, on February 25. Middletown Public School Directories. After she brought this to my attention, I sought legal advice from the boards attorney and they agreed that without a formal complaint I was powerless to do anything about it, Drake wrote. @BLACleaders @DocConner13 @cassandrasdis @WTNH @WFSBnews @bdflorsheim @bobbyeknoll #standingtogether #antiracists #enough pic.twitter.com/VXovNPqpkL, Viviana Conner (@VConner13) March 3, 2022, But Bill Wilson responded, No, this is about right and wrong., And I think thats the biggest part that people are missing, he added. Connecticut School Superintendent on Leave After Allegations of Letter Sent to Home of Middletown Superintendent Under Investigation Back 2 School Community Day: Here's What You Need To Know, How To Beat The End-Of-Summer Blues In Middletown, Summer Passes For The Veterans Pool Available Starting Wednesday, Middletown Home To CT's First-Ever Cosmetology Apprenticeship Program, Middletown's Newest Business Has Soft, Fluffy And Creamy Marshmallows. The school board previously promised a nationwide search for the next superintendent and said Creeden would only serve as the districts leader for the interim. Monday, May 16, 2022 Superintendent Responds - Conner: I Am Unequivocally and Completely Innocent of the Alleged Allegations An Open Letter from Dr. Michael T. Conner, Ed.D. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Williams added that he was not happy with the process by which the board determined Creeden would lead the district, but he and other board members were happy with her. Middletown School District Superintendent Amy Creeden hiring questions MIDDLETOWN BOE _ Summary Report of Central Office Investigation Findings by Hartford Courant on Scribd. According to both Creeden and Williams, this is still under negotiation. Don R. Stacom is a reporter for the Hartford Courant. Middletown Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner has been granted a leave of absence after a group of teachers in the town voiced concerns of harassment and intimidation in the school district. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, Middletown Superintendent of Schools Michael T. Conner, Middletown Board of Education Chief of Administration Christine Bourne, Middletown Public Schools Chief of School Operations Marco Gaylord, Acting Middletown Superintendent of Schools Alberto Vzquez Matos. Mayor: Middletown school superintendent granted leave of absence . This exodus ultimately puts our students' learning opportunities at risk. At this time, my priority is family., Thank you everyone for your calls. The reason he sent the most recent letter to Conners home was because of Conners leave of absence from his position. Mayor Florsheim said the Middletown Police Department and the states attorneys office are still working to determine if any charges will be filed against Passavant, and the Board of Education's investigation into the allegations against Conner are in the final phases. PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) Pakistani authorities say all 8 people trapped in a cable car suspended high above a canyon have been rescued. She hadserved as interim superintendent since October when Richard Del Moro abruptly retired. Nurse Disciplinary Actions - CT.gov Superintendent of Schools. He had received what he called a hate packet a lengthy letter sent to his home from someone in the community and containing what he called racist language and death threats. MIDDLETOWN The investigation into alleged workplace harassment by four top Board of Education central office leaders has concluded that the ex-superintendent more likely than not made unwelcome romantic or sexual statements and advances toward a senior administrator. A spokeswoman for Conner released a statement Monday in reaction to the findings, which he called spurious.. Creeden was appointed to the superintendent position March 3. NEWBURGH - Dr. Roberto Padilla, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District's controversial superintendent, was suspended from his job Friday night, according to sources close to the situation.. Middletown School Superintendent Requests Leave Amid Claims of MIDDLETOWN The Middletown Board of Education has voted to place school superintendent Michael T. Conner on paid administrative leave while an independent investigation continues into. Conner was selected from a pool of. Conner has been on leave since October, when his request for a leave of absence "based on advice from his doctors" under the Family Medical Leave Act was granted, WTNH News 8 previously reported. Evidence was shared with investigators and the BOE that these false allegations were intentionally fabricated as part of a plan to remove me from the Office of the Superintendent. The Middletown Press reported that the Board of Education in January unanimously approved putting Conner on paid administrative leave while claims of improper conduct by central office administrators are investigated. Conner has been on leave since October, when his request for a leave of absence "based on advice from his doctors" under the Family Medical Leave Act was granted, WTNH News 8 previously reported. Dr. The investigation into alleged workplace harassment, Middletown cop, Eli Cannon's co-owner, others set sights on first-ever marathon in Chicago, Prosecutor: Middletown man who attacked police detective with hammer has history of assaults on cops, Vibrant street art near Wesleyan start of ambitious project to honor, preserve Beman Triangle, 5 shark species that live in the Long Island Sound off Connecticut, Ex-Middletown cop gets 10 years for child porn offenses, This iconic Connecticut bridge is one of USPSs newest stamps, Keanu Reeves' band, Dogstar, playing at New Haven's Toad's Place, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). And I think that's the biggest part that people are missing. She can be reached atgmolina@fox61.com. Theres a lot of us that worked here that were treated very badly and had to leave for our health, Jim DAntonio, former custodial manager for the district, said during a rally outside the board meeting, according to Fox61. He resigned in March. According to CT Post, Viviana Conner described the material as racist, hateful and threatening, and said she believedmedia coverage of the school board investigation has emboldened and enabled the writer of the letter. Cannata holds a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Masters of Arts in Learning and Thinking, and two administrative endorsements from the Connecticut State Department of Education, the news release states. Former Middletown School Official Alleges Harassment - CT Examiner Its something that we are taking very seriously, Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said. Florsheim said while there was no direct threat made, its the letters intent thats under investigation. Investigators did not find that Conner was treated differently because of his race, as he alleged; made hiring decisions based on a candidates race, or engage in race/gender/age harassment, as well as other findings. Middletown schools investigation concludes some allegations against Im looking forward to working collaboratively with others to ensure that were utilizing best practices for supervision, staff development, and performances management, with the overarching goal of positively influencing the climate and culture of our school district.. Also, Middletown Public Schools received the honor as a 2019 - 2020 and 2020 - 2021 National Innovative District by the International Center for Leadership in Education.
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