Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Dear Needham Public School Families: Earlier this evening Channel 5 (WCVB) reported on the resignation of a Needham High School teacher. Channel 5 reports that the resignation is linked to an alleged incident earlier this summer in another town in which the teacher is accused of offering money to a young girl to lift up her shirt. Earlier today Channel 5 reporter Mike Beaudet did inquire about the status of one of our high school teachers, and I informed him that it is not the policy or practice of the Needham Public Schools to discuss personnel matters. However, I did inform Mr. Beaudet that the teacher in question has resigned his position in the Needham Public Schools and that I would have no further comment. As you know, we prioritize student safety, security, and wellbeing in the Needham Public Schools. If we are ever made aware of any behavior that would injure, hurt, or harm a child, we would deal with the situation immediately and swiftly. *We are aware of no circumstance in which the teacher in question has ever jeopardized the safety or wellbeing of any Needham Public School students. * Should we ever become aware of concerning, inappropriate, or illegal behavior involving any staff member (past or present), we would take immediate action, including, if necessary, involving appropriate law enforcement officials. I am sorry that this particular message is the only one you have received from me this summer. Rest assured that we are focused on preparing for your children to return to school on Tuesday, September 4th. The principals, staff, and I look forward to greeting them when they arrive to classes within the next two weeks. Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent Needham Public Schools