A longtime Fenwick High School teacher who had been on administrative leave since earlier this year has now been terminated, with school officials stating in a letter to families Wednesday that the instructor’s contract was not renewed.
The decision comes after an “independent investigation” into allegations of misconduct by the teacher recently wrapped up, John Barron, chairman of the Board of Directors, stated in the letter.
“Fenwick will not be renewing [the teacher’s] contract for future school years,” the letter states. “Our investigation uncovered clear and unequivocal violations that warrant [the teacher’s] immediate departure.”
Barron added: “This decision was made based on a comprehensive review of the findings of the independent investigation.”
The teacher could not be immediately reached for comment, and he is not being named because he has not been charged with a crime.
The teacher, who had also been a coach at the Catholic high school in Oak Park, was placed on administrative leave in the wake of a complaint from a former student alleging inappropriate behavior.
In a letter sent to Fenwick parents announcing the administrative leave action, the Rev. Richard Peddicord, the school’s president, said “a Fenwick alumna posted a video detailing her experience as a student at Fenwick and our handling of a serious matter involving a faculty member.”
In that letter, Peddicord went on to say that police had investigated the allegations last fall and no criminal charges were made as a result.
Further, Oak Park spokesman David Powers previously said a police report was filed last September by a former Fenwick student, alleging a series of incidents involving the teacher dating back to 2013 through 2014.
When school leaders announced that the teacher was placed on leave, he issued a statement through an attorney denying the allegations, saying he has “never abused a Fenwick student, at any time or in any place.” The statement said the teacher had won numerous teaching awards over his more-than-40-year career, and that he “looks forward to continuing in the profession to which he has devoted his entire career.”
In addition to terminating the teacher, Barron said the private, college-prep school would be reviewing some of its policies to ensure they are “dramatically improved moving forward.”
Among the anticipated changes, according to Barron, Fenwick will implement an ongoing review of its confidential reporting systems, and establish “strong governance and oversight procedures” – in addition to enhancing faculty and staff training.
“Fenwick is committed to a safe and inclusive environment,” Barron wrote.
