Second PHS Staff Member Put on Administrative LeaveBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
07:45PM / Monday, December 16, 2024 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A Pittsfield High School staff member has been put on administrative leave because of an investigation being conducted by the state Department of Children and Families.
This is the second PHS staff member put on leave in the last week.
On Monday, Superintendent Joseph Curtis contacted the Pittsfield Public Schools community reporting that on Friday, Dec. 13, the district was formally notified of an investigation being conducted by DCF.
The individual was immediately placed on administrative leave and district officials say they are conducting an internal investigation on the "serious allegations" made. The release did not detail the allegations.
"This is a very challenging time for everyone, and our priority is to provide a consistent, supportive environment at Pittsfield High School and all of the Pittsfield Public Schools," he wrote.
The person was not named but the investigation is said to be separate from that of PHS Dean Lavante Wiggins, who last week was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine.
"In response to this notification, a second staff member from Pittsfield High School was placed on administrative leave that same day, in accordance with district policy and standard procedures. It is important to clarify that this open investigation is entirely separate from the allegations disclosed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, December 11, 2024," Curtis wrote.
"The district is fully cooperating with all relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation. At the same time, we are conducting our own internal inquiry to gather information to identify next steps, navigating these serious allegations responsibly and thoroughly."
The superintendent said he and Assistant Superintendent Matthew Bishop will be at Pittsfield High School throughout the week to provide direct support to students and staff during this time.
"Additionally, we have assigned extra school adjustment counselors to the building to further assist with the needs of the school community," he wrote.
Wiggins was arrested at his East Street home early Wednesday.
Curtis sent a communication to staff and parents that morning addressing the arrest. He said the district was informed by the U.S. Attorney's Office about the arrest of Wiggins and that he had been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.
Wiggins, 30, and Theodore Warren, also known as "Monty," 42, both of Pittsfield, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. They were released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the charging documents, Wiggins allegedly operated a drug-trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of cocaine in and around the Pittsfield area. It is alleged that Warren serves as a runner for Wiggins, who allegedly expressed concern that he was under investigation in August and sent Warren to complete sales and deliver cocaine.
"We remain committed to conducting our own thorough investigation, guided by verified facts. Our focus is on gathering accurate details to ensure transparency and accountability," Curtis wrote to the PPS community on Wednesday.
"It is important to reiterate that all employees of the Pittsfield Public Schools undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check and a SAFIS (Statewide Applicant Fingerprint Identification System) fingerprint background check before beginning employment."
He said the district has no other information at this time but will continue to update the community as factual and verified information becomes available.
|
MEMBER SIGN IN
