Headmaster Hassan: What did he know and when did he know it?
Things have gone from bad to worse at Phillips Exeter Academy as more alumni have come forward alleging acts of sexual misconduct by teaching staff. The academy has reportedly forwarded all complaints to the Exeter Police Department for investigation. The Exeter P D says it’s actively investigating each claim and has opened several separate investigations concerning sexual misconduct and abuse of students by at least two current or former faculty members.
Phillips Exeter: If the walls could talk…
Chief William Shupe said he was grateful for the community’s patience and partnership as these investigations get underway, stating the department has transferred personnel from the patrol division to the detectives division to ensure an expeditious and thorough investigation. Shupe pledged to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into each claim. Anyone with information about sexual misconduct or abuse at Phillips Exeter Academy or who, themselves, may be a victim of that abuse or who has any concerns or questions is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Michael Munck at 7 7 3 6 1 4 4 or via email at m munck at Exeter n h dot gov.
Rubens: Hammers Manchester VA scandal
G O P U S Senate candidate Jim Rubens issued a statement regarding the recent revelations of medical misconduct at the Manchester V A Medical Center. Said Rubens, quote:
“Two things must be done immediately to ensure our veterans are receiving the quality care they need and were promised: Incompetent VA administrators need to be fired, and veterans need a hassle-free choice card that allows them go outside the VA system for healthcare when they desire without VA approval.” End quote.
Ruben stated the position he held on the V A hadn’t changed since his senate run two years ago. He argued then that the Congressional reform bill did not fix the problem and that the current Choice Card proposal leaves the V A with too much control over a veteran’s choice to seek care elsewhere.
Gatsas: Urges NH House to action
Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas issued a statement urging the New Hampshire House to act quickly on legislation that would provide matching funds for drug courts in every county that chooses to have one. The legislation cleared the senate this week and is on its way back to the House Finance Committee for action before moving to the House Floor for a final vote. In urging quick action, Gatsas said, quote:
“We know when people are sent to serious treatment programs instead of jail the recidivism rate is drastically decreased. In every community across the state people are dying from overdoses, and families are looking for help for their loved ones. When I was in the Senate,” continued Gatsas, “we had a serious and immediate concern over fuel assistance for the elderly and low-income families. The issue was urgent and we managed to work together and get it passed in one day. I hope we see the same urgency out of Concord for this critical legislation.”
News from our own backyard continues after this.
Pearl: Presses the issue
Pembroke Academy parent, and former Hooksett School Board member, David Pearl has filed a formal complaint with the school board of S A U Fifty Three over how its co-superintendent Patty Sherman has handled the arrest of Pembroke Dean of Students Rekha Luther. In the complaint, Pearl details several facts of the situation and calls Sherman to task for on the one hand saying that R S A 9 1-A prohibited the district from announcing the arrest, then sending home a letter detailing the arrest and then answering questions asked about the arrest earlier in the week at the Pembroke School Board meeting. Given the inconsistency, Pearl said it was necessary for Sherman to explain her actions. Pearl also called on the board to get training on the Right to Know Law, review how it communicates with parents and hold a special meeting to answer questions from the public.
Before he could present his complaint, by the way, Pearl had to fight off the board chair who tried to say what happened at Pembroke wasn’t a matter for the S A U Board and another member who tried to claim that criticizing Sherman was a personnel matter that should be done in non-public session.
Hooksett PD: Asking for public help
The Hooksett Police Department is seeking the public’s help identifying three suspects who perpetrated a home invasion yesterday morning at 3 and held the homeowners at gunpoint while they stole items from their home. The incident occurred at 16 Goonan Road. The homeowners were not hurt. The suspects were described as one white female, approximately 5 foot 7 with a stocky build and two white males described as approximately 6 feet tall with thin builds. All three suspects were wearing all black clothing, hooded sweatshirts and wore bananas covering their faces. The possible suspect vehicle is an older model, gray, 4 door sedan resembling a Honda or Toyota. Hooksett Police are investigating this case and ask that anyone with information please call 6 2 4 1 5 6 0.
Hillside cafeteria staff
Manchester’s Hillside Middle School received a bronze medal in the Healthier U S School Challenge: Smarter Lunchrooms Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture yesterday. Hillside joined the ranks of an elite group of schools across the country that have been recognized for excellence in their integration of health, nutrition and fitness education. Only about seven percent of the nation’s schools have achieved Healthier U S status. Hillside joins McLaughlin Middle School and Beech Street School in winning this award.
MST: Holding “Savers Drive”
The Manchester School of Technology Parent Teacher Student Association is holding a Savers Donation Drive on Saturday April 9th, that’s tomorrow, from 8 to Noon. They’re collecting clothing, shoes, accessories, books, linens and small house hold items; no furniture or electronics. They will be collecting items in the parking lot. Proceeds from the sale of the donated goods will provide for senior scholarships, not a small thing given the school will graduate its first class this June.
That’s news from our own backyard! Girard at Large hour ___ is next!
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