The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
BOE examines workplace harassment probe findings
Members will be compiling report based on attorneys’ findings
MIDDLETOWN — The Board of Education has authorized members to draw up a summary of the investigation into alleged workplace harass ment by central office top administrators.
Members went into executive session at the end of its last regular meeting to discuss and take “possible action” concerning the findings as well pending “claims,” which have not been released.
Middletown Public Schools announced April 5 that the investigation, conducted by the board’s attorneys, and Goodwin, as well as an independent firm, Thompson Hine, was complete.
The investigation was launched after some 15 current and former schools employees submitted statements, alleging workplace misconduct to the Middletown Union Coalition. They detailed incidents involving former superintendent of schools
Michael Conner, and Chief of Administration Christine Bourne and Chief of School Operations Marco Gaylord, who have been out on administrative leave since January, pending the results of the probe.
The statements, obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media Group through a Freedom of Information Act request, describe a “toxic work environment.”
Conner was initially granted family leave last October and then was placed on administrative leave until he resigned in March, citing concerns for his family’s safety after he said he received “death threats” in what he called a racist letter sent to his home.
Middletown police closed their investigation into the incident earlier this month after the state’s attorney found no criminal element.
Since Conner stepped down, Acting Superintendent Alberto VázquezMatos has assumed his former duties.
The school board will coordinate its next steps, including working with legal counsel and investigators to release a summary of the probe findings.
The BOE’s next regular session is set for June 4 at 6:30 p.m.