Bartlett High School Teacher On Paid Leave
Bartlett High School
A Bartlett High School teacher is out on paid administrative leave after at least 6 female students have accused him of inappropriately touching them during class.
THE LAKE 940 has learned that Michael Harpin, a special education and math teacher at the school has been off the job since February 1st. Superintendent Ruthann Goguen of the Webster Public Schools tells us that the investigation on this matter is still ongoing, but she wants to “continue to stress the importance of having families and students speaking up when something is wrong or makes them uncomfortable.”
In the letter sent home parents on April 12th, she writes, “I want to assure you that our students’ safety is our number one priority as well as maintaining a high level of education by placing a highly qualified substitute in the classroom.” A copy of that letter is below.
We received no reply when we asked Superintendent Goguen why it took her 2 months to inform parents of the complaints against a teacher at the school, or why the letter was sent home 2 days after his appearance in court.
Harpin is under investigation by both Webster Police and the Worcester County District Attorney’s office. Criminal complaints were issued by the Dudley District Court on April 10th, and he will be arraigned in Dudley District Court on May 1st.
We have also reached out to Mr. Harpin for comment to get his side of the story, but have not received a reply.
