Superintendent places 2nd school administrator on paid leave

Posted 12/8/15

School Superintendent Philip Thornton confirmed this weekend that a second school administrator, David LaPlante, director of buildings and grounds, has been placed on leave with pay.

Last month …

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Superintendent places 2nd school administrator on paid leave

Posted

School Superintendent Philip Thornton confirmed this weekend that a second school administrator, David LaPlante, director of buildings and grounds, has been placed on leave with pay.

Last month Rosemary Healey, school director of human services, was placed on leave with pay. Healey served as both the department’s legal counsel and human service director until earlier this year when the committee retained outside legal counsel.

Thornton has not provided an explanation for either of his actions, but the two cases do not appear to be related.

Healey was one of three school administrators named in a no confidence vote approved by the City Council in the wake of the revelation that a Gorton science teacher drew penises on the arms of two female students while in school. How school administrators responded to the complaints of parents was the subject of an investigation performed at the request of the committee by attorney Vincent Ragosta.

In its vote the council also named Superintendent Richard D’Agostino and Dennis Mullen, director of secondary education. Both men have retired from the school department. Ragosta’s has been released to the City Council, but it has not been made public.

Asked if LaPlante is the subject of a police investigation, Col Stephen McCartney said in an email yesterday, “Subject investigation is a continuing investigation and there have been no arrests made at this time.”

The School Committee agenda for tonight’s meeting at Toll Gate lists for discussion and action two employee termination hearings under executive session.

Thornton would not confirm or deny whether the hearings pertained to Healey or LaPlante, or for that matter, Mario Atoyan. Atoyan is the former Gorton science teacher who is on unpaid leave and faces charges in an unrelated matter involving the first and second-degree sexual assault of a North Kingstown girl.

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  • Justanidiot

    And like Peter Horoshack, they will just disappear with no explanation.

    Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Report this

  • Gonewiththewind

    Nice to see that the fearsome foursome has finally got their just dues. They worked really hard together to gain control of the system while destroying everything and everybody in their path. Happy Holidays Guys,

    Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Report this

  • danfire

    Stealing from the children you should be ashamed of your self. Must have had help stealing those big items fridge washer fencing or did he just direct ship it to his house. I hope there are more heads to roll.

    Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Report this

  • Landoffoz

    I think this is just a start for thornton. It may not be a merry christmas for several people next week.

    Sunday, December 13, 2015 Report this

  • Dullie

    I am sure Thornton loves his new job of firing people. Oh wait thats what he does best look at his record in Cumberland and North Kingstown. Firings and law suits. Healy and Laplante down who will be next. On the school committees web site it listed 3 firings for the last school committee meeting. Who were the other 2. why are they not listed. Are they People involved in stealing form the children or artists who draw on kids or a third scandal we have not heard about.

    Sunday, December 13, 2015 Report this