A former employee of both the local high school and middle school is under criminal investigation by Portland police, a school district official said Monday.
Maine School Administrative District 75 Superintendent of Schools Heidi O’Leary made the announcement at a press conference at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham. MSAD 75 includes Harpswell, Topsham, Bowdoin and Bowdoinham.
“This situation is deeply unsettling,” O’Leary told reporters.
She would not name the former employee, who also worked at Mt. Ararat Middle School in Topsham, or say why they are no longer employed by the district.
O’Leary said the Portland Police Department notified district officials on May 2 that the employee was under investigation. “I want to be clear that no arrests have been made or charges filed at this time,” she added.
The superintendent would not specify what the former employee is being investigated for, but she said it was unrelated to a recent investigation into allegations of hazing by members of the high school hockey team.
The district sent a letter to parents Monday informing them of the situation and issued a press release to local media. It also posted similar information on its website.
“We understand this is an unsettling situation, and that you have many questions,” O’Leary said in the website post. “We are committed to answering questions as swiftly and transparently as possible. We are limited in what we can discuss to protect the integrity of the police investigation, ensure the privacy of any potential persons involved, and comply with employment confidentiality laws.”
O’Leary declined to say whether the former employee had a criminal record, but she said the district had conducted a full criminal background check before hiring them. “State laws regarding employee confidentiality prohibit us from disclosing specific information,” she said.
O’Leary said she has been in “constant contact” with Portland police, the Maine Department of Education and Maine Department of Health and Human Services “to align resources for students and families should charges be brought against this former employee.”
Those with additional questions can contact the district via email at information@link75.org or by calling 207-798-3675. “My office will do its best to be responsive to all inquiries,” O’Leary said.
“It is very important that we allow the police to conduct their investigation so the remaining questions can be answered,” she added. “For now, our top priority is supporting students and staff as they process this news as we close out this school year and look forward to the summer.”
