Click here for updates on this story
Cromwell, CT (WFSB) — Cromwell’s superintendent has been placed on paid administrative leave following a claim of misconduct.
The Cromwell Board of Education said it recently received an anonymous complaint about Superintendent John Maloney and Assistant Superintendent Krista Karch.
The board did not release the nature of the complaint; however, it said it expects an investigation to be completed before the holidays.
“In order to ensure the investigation is handled with the utmost integrity, the Board, in consultation with legal counsel, feels it is most appropriate to place Superintendent Maloney, and possibly others including Dr. Karch, on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” the Board announced to the community. “The status of paid administrative leave is not an adverse job consequence and should not be perceived as such at this time.”
The law firm Shipman & Goodwin, LLP will conduct an independent review of this matter, the Board said.
The Board thanked Maloney for his professionalism over the course of the investigation.
A Board of Education meeting was held on Tuesday evening, and the issue was discussed.
The anonymous complaint to the Board spurred a letter to the community, which was read aloud Tuesday evening.
“Contrary to what was contained in the letter every bargaining unit did not have an issue with Superintendent Maloney,” said Linda Demetriades, of the Cromwell Parent Union.
Maloney has been the superintendent since the spring of 2017. Previously he was an assistant superintendent and a principal. He is married and a father of four.
Karch was also hired in 2017 and was a teacher in Portland.
“I find it extremely disturbing how this information came to light. A full investigation should be conducted on how this person inappropriately accessed and utilized security camera footage,” Demetriades said.
After approval from the Board is granted, Ms. Fran DiFiore, Cromwell High School’s principal, will serve as interim superintendent.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Cromwell PTO said “We support our Board of Education members and know that they will complete a thorough investigation. Based on the outcome of the investigation, we trust that they will make decisions in the best interests of our schools, students and community.”
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
