Wilmington Schools Report Second Set Of Misconduct Allegations

WILMINGTON, MA — Some allegations of child abuse or neglect against one or more Wilmington Public Schools staff members have been supported by a state investigation, while a separate set of allegations have been made against another staff member, Superintendent Glenn Brand said Thursday in a letter to the community.

Both staff members have been placed on administrative leave pending the Department of Children and Families allegations.

Officials learned of allegations of child abuse against staff at Wilmington's Wildwood Early Childhood Center in May.

The Lowell Sun reported that a Wilmington father posted on Facebook Tuesday that he noticed "an absolutely absurd amount of bruises" on his three-year-old son's legs when picking him up from the school last month.

The staff in question were placed on leave and the district hired an outside attorney to do an independent investigation, Brand said.

"We recently learned from DCF that some of the claims have been supported," Brand said. "The independent investigation we commissioned remains ongoing."

The district learned of the second set of allegations last week, Brand said. They concern a staff member at Wilmington Middle School.

The Middle School staff member is also on administrative leave, pending a state investigation.

"Out of respect for all those involved and based on legal requirements, we are not able to discuss the specifics of these cases, Brand said. "However, we do wish to state unequivocally that any student or family who comes forward with allegations of misconduct, harassment or abuse will have those allegations investigated with the thoroughness and seriousness that they deserve."

Read the full letter from Brand here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.