Schools

Pinkerton Academy Assures Parents After Accused Teacher Fired

Headmaster to parents: 'All information was reported to law enforcement per Pinkerton Academy protocol.'

Pinkerton Academy's headmaster has assured parents that the teacher accused of inappropriate contact with a girl is an "isolated" incident and that the school followed all protocols to protect student safety.

Mary Anderson, in an email to parents and in a message on the Derry school's website, said David Howes was fired on May 30 following an internal investigation. Howes, 61, of Windham, is accused of touching a 15-year-old student's leg.

The letter Anderson distributed is as follows:

Dear Pinkerton Academy Parents,

As you may be aware from media reports, a Pinkerton Academy teacher has been accused of inappropriate contact with a student in a classroom after school. Building Construction teacher David Howes was terminated from Pinkerton Academy on Friday, May 30 following an internal investigation. The complaint was initially reported to the Administration on Tuesday, May 27 at which time Mr. Howes was put on administrative leave. All information was reported to law enforcement per Pinkerton Academy protocol.

Howes turned himself in to Derry Police yesterday afternoon (June 3), after which Captain Vern Thomas issued a press release citing Howes’ arrest on charges of Simple Assault. Derry Police are continuing their investigation and Pinkerton Academy is fully cooperating with their efforts. 

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On behalf of the Academy, I want to communicate this information to you. Our highest priority remains the safety, security and well-being of all students. As set forth in Pinkerton Academy's Professional Conduct policy (found on the school website under Administration/Policies): Pinkerton Academy employees "must demonstrate respect for each student as an individual, maintain appropriate boundaries with students, and serve as a role model at all times." It also specifies that violation of the policy may result in disciplinary action "up to and including termination."

Every Pinkerton Academy employee -- faculty and staff -- undergoes a rigorous background check before they are hired. They also receive ongoing training about appropriate personal behavior with students. We have protocols in place that require deliberate action by all employees to protect and support students. These measures underscore our commitment to providing a safe and healthy learning environment. We hope an isolated act like this will not reflect negatively on the faculty and staff who are committed to providing your student an outstanding education in a safe environment every day.

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Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. You may reach me via email to manderson@pinkertonacademy.org or by phone at 437-5200 X 3101.  If you have any further information about this situation, I urge you to contact us as well as the Derry Police Department.

Sincerely,

Mary Anderson, Headmaster


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