Westport school employee accused of misconduct placed on leave

WESTPORT, Mass. (WLNE) — The superintendent of Westport Community Schools informed families on Tuesday that a staff member has been placed on leave for alleged misconduct involving a student.

In a letter addressed to Westport Middle/High School families, Superintendent Thomas Aubin said the district was made aware of these allegations earlier this month. “The staff member was immediately placed on leave pending a full investigation into the matter,” Aubin said.

The district is supporting investigations by the Westport Police Department and Department of Children and Families.

“It’s a little scary to think, like, you know, you don’t know what it is. It’s just they send you a letter, while you’re on vacation and ‘oh, you know, to be continued,” Westport Middle School parent Brittney Kinnas said.

Aubin did not release the name of that employee, but added that the district is “in direct communication with individuals” who they understand “may have information relevant to this matter.”

“If anything there should be some sort of meeting. Whether it’s virtual or anything. Just to at least talk,” Kinnas said. “Nobody has to release names or anything until everything is taken care of, but we at least should know the type of situation going on.”

“Due to the confidentiality rights of all parties involved, and to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigations, we are unable at this time to comment further on the specifics of the allegations, the ongoing investigation, and/or any related personnel actions,” Aubin said.