Amid Misconduct Allegations, Second Central Catholic Teacher Resigns

LAWRENCE — Under a cloud of misconduct allegations, Central Catholic High School officials announced on Thursday that a second staff member has resigned, the Eagle-Tribune reports

Sullivan announced Social Studies teacher John Housianitis' resignation Thursday afternoon, the Eagle-Tribunereports, but said his departure from the school was effective beginning April 26, the day he was placed on leave from the school, according to Central Catholic President Christopher Sullivan.

Housianitis, a graduate of the Class of 1977, resigned his position after he was found to have posted "compromising photos of himself on an adults-only, password-protected website," Sullivan said.

"I accept Mr. Housianitis' resignation with regret. John's violation of our policies was regrettable, however, it was not physically harmful to any student," Sullivan said in a statement released Thursday. "John's service to the school and its students will long be remembered. I wish him well in the future."

Richard Nault, an administrator and basketball coach, was also suspended on April 26. He resigned on May after he allegedly sent messages to a recent graduate of Central Catholic on social media, in violation of school policy. His resignation was made retroactive to April 26 as well.

The resignations of Nault and Housianitis came in the walk of the firing of former administrator Andrew Nikonchuk for failing to maintain "appropriate social boundaries between students and faculty." Nikonchuk was accused of drugging and raping a then-15-year-old student in 2006.

The Middlesex County district attorney's office is investigating the allegations against Nikonchuk. No charges have been filed.

Sullivan said when Housianitis was put on leave that copies of his "compromising photos" were "circulated" among the school community. Housianitis issued his own statement in which he called the school his "second home for the past 34 years."

"It has been my honor to serve the school in various capacities over those many years. Whether I was teaching in the classroom or acting in an administrative capacity, I enjoyed every minute I was associated with the school," Housianitis said.

For more on this story read the Eagle-Tribune.