Uxbridge schools report teacher to police after alleged 'physical contact' with student

UXBRIDGE ― A substitute teacher at a pre-K to third-grade school in Uxbridge was reported to police last week after allegedly making “physical contact” with a student, administrators said.

“On Thursday, May 2, Uxbridge Public Schools was made aware of an incident that occurred at Taft Early Learning Center involving a substitute teacher who had physical contact with a student,” Uxbridge Superintendent Mike Baldassarre wrote in an email to parents sent Saturday.

Baldassarre, who did not name the teacher or say anything about the age or gender of the student, said the district, upon learning of the incident, began an investigation and notified police.

“The substitute teacher was immediately removed from the building and deauthorized,” Baldassarre wrote. “The substitute teacher will not be allowed to work for Uxbridge Public Schools during the investigation, nor will they be allowed on Taft Early Learning Center property.”

Baldassarre said a report was filed with the state Department of Children and Family Services.

“We take all matters of student safety seriously,” he wrote. “We are actively working with DCF and Uxbridge Police throughout this ongoing investigation.”

A spokesperson for a public relations firm that works with the district, Sean Smyth, told the Telegram & Gazette the district didn’t have additional information to release beyond what was contained in the letter.

Smyth did say that the alleged “physical contact” is not related to any sexual offense.

The T&G left a voicemail with Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy Tuesday evening seeking comment.

Baldassarre wrote in his email that he understands “these incidents can cause concern for both parents and students, and we want to emphasize that the safety of our students at every grade level while in our care is our first and top priority.

“Resources and counselors will be made available for students at all schools throughout the week,” he wrote.

The Taft Early Learning Center is located at 16 Granite St.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Uxbridge schools report teacher to police after 'physical contact'