Bethel Public Schools

1 School Street, P.O. Box 253, Bethel, CT 06801

Fax: (203) 794-8723 website: www.bethel.k12.ct.us

Christine Carver, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools
(203) 794-8601

Kristen Brooks, Ed. D.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools
(203) 794-8613

Susan Budris
Director
Special Education & Pupil Services
(203) 794-8616

Michelle D. Rutledge
Director
Teaching & Learning
(203) 794-8755

Daniel DeBlois
Supervisor
Information Technologies
(203) 794-8071

Theresa D. Yonsky
Director of Fiscal Services
(203) 794-8603
Robert Germinaro
Supervisor
Facility Operations
(203) 794-8609

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff Members:

District officials learned yesterday that one of our staff members at Berry School is under
investigation for inappropriate activities with minor children. Upon learning of the pending
investigation, the staff member was placed immediately on administrative leave with pay and
steps were taken to ensure that the employee would not come onto school property or have
access to the districts computer system. The employee has since resigned employment with
the Bethel Public Schools.
State and local authorities are investigating this matter and district officials are cooperating
fully with the investigation. The district has reason to believe that the former staff member in
question has sent information about the activities to certain members of the school community
as well as others with no affiliation with the Bethel Public Schools. We ask that any member of
our school community who has received any such information immediately share that
information with the State Police Major Crime Squad, Southbury Troop A, Detective Flynn, 203267-2225, so as to aid the authorities in the investigatory process. In the event that any
member of our community has information or concerns regarding this matter, you may also
contact Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Carver and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kristen
Brooks to share that information and/or discuss your concerns.
Clearly, any allegation of inappropriate contact with minors is disturbing and causes concerns
about the safety of the children in our school community. Please be reassured that the safety
of children is our foremost concern and there are many policies and procedures in place to
ensure the wellbeing of all our children. For example, all district employees are subject to
background checks that include criminal records and the DCF registry prior to hire. Additionally,
the State of Connecticut requires anyone engaged in a profession that involves regular
interaction with children, to report to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) any
suspected child abuse, neglect, or any instances in which a child has been placed in imminent
danger. DCF then investigates any such allegations and works cooperatively with school district
officials to promote the safety of children.
Our Primary Purpose is to Improve Student Achievement.

The district has arranged for counseling services to be available for students and staff members
with concerns regarding this situation at Berry School on Monday, February 23, 2015. Parents
are encouraged to contact any administrator who is available to discuss any specific concerns a
parent may have, whether on Monday or subsequently. In addition, administrators may work
with families to obtain social worker and/or psychological support as appropriate. All of these
individuals are trained to handle allegations of this nature, and will treat a parents concerns
seriously and thoroughly.
I am sending this letter to all members of our school community because of the gravity of the
allegations and a desire to keep the entire school community informed about these troubling
reports. If you have any specific concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Dr. Christine Carver

Superintendent of Schools