Wading River School teacher suspended over 'disturbing comments,' superintendent announces
Wading River School, where a teacher was suspended after making "disturbing remarks" on a livestream platform, is seen on Thursday morning. Credit: Newsday/James Carbone
An elementary school teacher in the Shoreham-Wading River district has been suspended and banned from school grounds after being caught on a livestream platform making "disturbing comments," Superintendent Gerard W. Poole said in a letter to the school community late Wednesday.
In his letter to parents and guardians, Poole did not identify the teacher in question — but said the matter had been referred to the Riverhead Police Department. In a follow-up letter Thursday, Poole wrote "the district does not have any prior reports or complaints about this employee."
School counselors and other help is available for students, according to the updated letter.
Riverhead town police confirmed Thursday they had been notified of an incident involving a teacher in the Shoreham-Wading River district and the case had been referred to Suffolk County police for further investigation.
Suffolk police confirmed they are investigating a report involving an employee of the district. Additional information will not be released during the ongoing investigation, police said.
The district did not characterize or identify the livestream platform or the alleged comments.
In the letter sent out Wednesday, Poole wrote: "It has been brought to our attention that a teacher at Wading River School has been caught on a livestreamed platform sharing disturbing remarks. The Riverhead Police Department has been made aware of this matter and are conducting an investigation. We will fully cooperate with law enforcement during this process."
The letter continued, stating the teacher in question "has been removed from the classroom and will not be permitted on school grounds pending the outcome of the investigation."
Poole then wrote: "While I understand that this news may leave you with questions, our legal counsel has advised us that we are unable to provide any further comment at this time." He added, "I will provide any new developments as appropriate. Thank you for your continued support and understanding."
