MA School Controversies

Elena Ralph

Staff Writer

In recent weeks, Massachusetts public schools have faced several scandals involving high-ranking officials. The Auburn High School Athletic Director has been arrested for sending pornographic videos to a minor, the Uxbridge superintendent was charged with driving under the influence (DUI), after driving over 100 miles per hour, and a Quincy cheerleading coach is under investigation for providing alcohol and marijuana to students.

On Jan. 28, Curt Field turned himself in to the Auburn Police. The Worcester District Court arraigned him on charges of disseminating obscene material to a minor. The school was informed on Jan. 22 about inappropriate communications between Field and a 17-year-old student. In response, school officials immediately interviewed Field and placed him on administrative leave.

Auburn Public Schools released a statement regarding the incident: “As a District, we acted without delay once notified that accusations had been made, to involve the Auburn Police Department,” said Superintendent Cumberland. “We fully recognize the seriousness of these allegations and did all we could to protect our students. We are extremely appreciative of the support of the Auburn Police Department through this ordeal. Their guidance and involvement from the start ensured that this was brought to a resolution quickly.”

Field was released on $500 bail under the conditions that he have no unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16 and stay away from Auburn and Spencer schools.

The superintendent of Uxbridge Public Schools, Frank Baldassarre, was arraigned last week on multiple criminal charges, including driving under the influence. His arrest took place around 3:00 am after he was caught speeding over 100 miles per hour on Interstate 495 in Bolton.

Baldassarre pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been placed on paid administrative leave. Many parents are now calling for his termination. However, his contract states that the school committee must provide a 30-day notice before firing him.

The Quincy Police Department is currently investigating a Quincy High School varsity cheerleading coach for allegedly providing alcohol and marijuana to students and sharing inappropriate pictures online. The coach’s name has not been released, but authorities have confirmed that a member of the coaching staff has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.