Bedford School Counselors Keep Jobs Over Support For Predator

BEDFORD, NH -- Two Bedford High School guidance counselors who expressed support for a former counselor convicted of sexually assaulting a student were protected by free speech and will remain at the school, Interim Superintendent Michael Fournier recently announced. The unidentified counselors wrote letters of support for Kristie Torbick during her sentencing hearing in July in Rockingham County Superior Court. Torbick, a 39-year-old former Bedford High School guidance counselor, was sentenced to up to 5 years in prison for sexually assault a 14-year-old student at Exeter High School.

Some parents criticized the two counselors for supporting Torbick.

"The letters written by the two school counselors were written in their individual capacity and not as representatives of the Bedford School District," Fournier said in a statement last week. "The Bedford School District recognizes and respects the First Amendment rights of its employees to speak as individuals and the District does not intend to infringe on those fundamental rights. While others may disagree with the counselors’ opinions, as public employees they were entitled to share those opinions."

Some parents also criticized Zanna Blaney, a Bedford High School dean who testified in court in support of Torbick. Blaney was placed on leave and Fournier said school officials were still investigating her actions.

The controversy has rocked the school district. In August, Superintendent Chip McGee resigned after outcry over Blaney's testimony.

Fournier added, "I am more aware now than ever that our words and actions have consequences that can be far reaching and impactful in ways that we do not always anticipate. As such, I remain committed to being an advocate for students first. While actions and words may often come with legal authority, they are not always beneficial given our important roles. It is my hope that we can strike this balance moving forward in an effort to rebuild trust."

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