Investigation launched into Cohasset principal's handling of alleged misconduct

COHASSET, Mass. — The Cohasset Middle/High School principal has been placed on paid administrative leave as an investigation has been launched into how she handled a case of alleged sexual misconduct by a teacher.

Cohasset Middle/High School Principal Carolyn Connolly was placed on leave Wednesday after the district was made aware of the information surrounding the allegation.

Parents gathered at the school on Wednesday night demanding answers from the district after learning the alleged abuse wasn't reported right away.

The school district has hired an independent investigator not affiliated with the schools to conduct an administrative and independent review to look into if there were any rules violations or performance failures by the Cohasset Public Schools staff.

According to police reports, the student told the school back in February, but police did not hear about the allegations until May, when the school resource officer heard and reported the abuse to the department.

In late August, Cohasset Police issued a criminal complaint against a Cohasset Middle School teacher concerning disturbing allegations of inappropriate conduct toward a student.

Jeffrey Knight, who has been employed at Cohasset Middle School as a STEM teacher since August 2011, has been on administrative leave since that investigation began.

Knight has been arrested and charged with indecently assaulting a 13-year-old student.

The investigation will look into the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations.

"I have concerns, and I share in the concerns of our community members. I want to hear from parents in our community," said Cohasset Superintendent of Schools Louise L. Demas. "I think everyone understands that there are certain things I cannot speak about due to the ongoing criminal investigation, but I want to make clear that I intend to take the findings of the independent investigation seriously, and I am prepared to make the necessary decisions to ensure all procedures all strictly followed for the benefit and safety of all our Cohasset students. My office has cooperated fully with the police investigation and the Norfolk District's Attorney's Office."

Parents said they want a stricter vetting process for new hires, citing court documents which highlight that Knight was reprimanded by two former school districts he worked at.

Before the school year started, all employees, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, teachers and administrators underwent training on mandatory reporting procedures.

On Oct. 12, all faculty and administrators will have a full day of professional development with the assistance of the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Children and Families and Massachusetts Advocates for Children.

Cox Media Group