Students, parents say latest North Kingstown allegations are ‘the tip of the iceberg’

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — A troubling trend in North Kingstown continues, as three current employees in the school district were put on administrative leave Wednesday afternoon.

In an email to community members, Interim Superintendent Michael Waterman explained that investigations into the undisclosed allegations have already begun.

According to the email, the district recently received new information about the employees.

“From what I saw when I was in high school, this is the tip of the iceberg,” said Tiffany MaCloud, a former North Kingstown student and current parent. “People are coming forward and they’re feeling more comfortable to do so because they’re not getting shamed for coming out.”

“It’s not just one teacher, it could be four, five, or six, so this isn’t going to be good,” MaCloud continued.

This news comes one week after another unnamed coach in the district faced allegations of inappropriate behavior.

Investigations continue into over 20 years of alleged “fat checks” by former high school basketball coach, Aaron Thomas.

“I don’t feel safe at all. I’m honestly considering pulling my child out because I don’t feel safe. And say something does happen, who do I go to? No one is going to take it seriously. I am not going to get answers. You get ignored and that’s not OK,” MaCloud concluded.

One former North Kingstown High School student, Carson Pearce, said he considers himself lucky he is no longer in the district.

Pearce explained, “It could have been me as easily as anyone else. Guys I looked up to when I was in the school, now I’m hearing all this stuff that’s happening with them. It hurts, honestly, that I trusted these guys and it’s just sad.”

One community member gave a call to action for the town.

“You need to get involved,” exclaimed Beth Hill Ross. “People wake up, hello! Let’s change what’s wrong with this town. It’s time, before it’s too late. It’s almost too late.”