BUCKLAND, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — In response to news breaking of a former Mohawk Trail Regional High School athletic coach being named in a civil case in relation to alleged sexual abuse of a former student, Superintendent Sheryl Stanton wrote home to families on Wednesday.
Stanton outlined actions the district is taking, including teaming up with an organization that works to prevent sexual abuse in Massachusetts schools, Enough Abuse, who will bring professional development training and a review of current policies.
The District Leadership Team and Enough Abuse have created a plan that includes: “1.) professional development to educate all staff about ensuring the safety of all students in our care; 2.) requiring all staff to complete a course created by the Enough Abuse organization to establish clear and consistent expectations for appropriate relationships between all adults and students in our school districts; and 3.) review of our policies, procedures and protocols by Enough Abuse to identify ways to recognize and stop boundary-crossing behaviors (staff texting students beyond school hours, for example) which can lead to inappropriate relationships between adults and students.”
Additionally, Stanton wrote that social workers and guidance counselors will be available to the students who may need support in light of the allegations.