That led to at least 10 different sexual encounters between February and March. Susquehanna Township Police charged Sharkey on Friday. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. sued the District, alleging a hostile educational environment in violation of Title IX, violations of the Fourteenth Amendment, and state-law claims. Then an awesome opportunity that I couldn't pass up came to my attention. I dont know if the song will hold in Harrisburg, but as an Alma MaterGee it could live on forever. "For many years Susquehanna Township has had the best and brightest students. . Editor's note: The following document was redacted to protect the identity of the victim. I am thrilled for this opportunity to lead and most importantly, to serve the learners, staff, and community. School district is not liable for a teacher's sexual relationship with a minor student where no appropriate person at the district had knowledge of the relationship. Example video title will go here for this video. School Board Vice President Jesse Rawls Sr. said, Being an ex-teacher, you do report. Our School. After meeting me you will walk away knowing that I truly LOVE working in this profession. My goal is to focus on using data effectively, to make informed decisions in line with our district mission The Success of Every Learner. The accomplishment of this goal can happen with the efforts of all stakeholders. School Details: Susquehanna Township High School. High School involving a principal and a 16-year-old student were not lost on a grand jury investigation of a. Martin is the athletic director at Steelton-Highspire School District, Miller said. In June, district leaders sought advice from their legal counsel about what to do. I have been an elementary school educator for over 30 years, 32 years to be exact. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Today's Sentinel police log includes a fight among juveniles in Shippensburg and a theft in New Cumberland. I came to the district with a decade of experience in the special education field and served my first year in the district as the Supervisor of Secondary Special Education and Student Services. It is with the upmost respect for the education profession and my appreciation for the Susquehanna Township community that I introduce myself to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email kedmonds@hannasd.org. Welcome to Susquehanna Township Middle School Cycle Day Day 6 February 27, 2023 OUR Core values: Every learner has the right to a world class education. Extended Flex Bell Schedule. The alleged sexual encounters occurred when the student was 16 years old. Take itit is yours.. It has 2,830 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. Administrators interviewed seven of those applicants. But, school leaders began to hear rumors in May. Here's to a great school year. I came to the district with a decade of experience in the special education field and served my first year in the district as the Supervisor of Secondary Special Education and Student Services. He also told police that he rented hotel rooms once a month on nights of school board meetings, rather than drive to his home in Philadelphia, the complaint states. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. My academic background includes Certification in Educational Leadership K-12, Master of Education, ESL Program Specialist, and Bachelors of Elementary Education, this makes me well equipped with the knowledge base and experiences to support you in various ways in your instructional endeavors. "It's all about climate change at our high school, and I think he's really ready to help us do that," Miller said. The learning environment must be safe and supportive. The Organization was re-established in the mid 1980s by Albert Richwine and Charles Eslinger after the earlier effort in 1922 was not fully sustained. Students dispersed throughout the auditorium to hand out copies of the Alma Mater. She said Sharkey would pick her up at her home at around 10 p.m. and take her to the hotel for sex, then drive her home as late as 3 a.m., the complaint states. As the Assistant Principal of Sara Lindemuth/Anna Carter Primary School, it is my sincere pleasure and honor to be a member of this school community in the Susquehanna Township School District. We welcome, value, and celebrate the individuality and diversity of our students. In the Susquehanna Twp. Our diversity is our strength. Elementary. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. All rights reserved (About Us). Actually, I am a product of the Susquehanna Township Middle School Therefore, I am strongly committed to continuing the legacy of getting a great education here while still having fun and laughter. The grand jury recommended school employees not do any internal investigation of their own until law enforcement officers complete their investigation. I look forward to contributing to the academic, social, and functional success of all students within the middle school. In the last school year, however, parents and community members repeatedly voiced concerns regarding academics and discipline in the district. We will act ethically at all levels of the organization. I value the development of the whole child and place heavy emphasis not only on the educational experience; but, also the social and emotional development of each student. Marsico said Taschner and Sharkey himself interviewed students about the allegations. When he is not working, Mr. Gibson enjoys singing with Vox Philia, a vocal chamber ensemble based in Reading, Pennsylvania, playing board games, and tending to the family garden. The grand jury report says in May Lorie DiClemente, the vice president of the teachers union, went to the district superintendent Dr. Susan Kegerise after overhearing students talking about a text and picture in relation to Sharkey. Kegerise told assistant superintendent Dr. Cathy Taschner, who headed up an investigation. Susquehanna Township High School; Susquehanna Township Middle School; Thomas W. Holtzman Jr. My name is David Stack, and I am honored to serve the students, parents, and teachers of the Susquehanna Township Middle School. Of dear, old, S.T.H.S. I want to continue to build of the students foundation of becoming lifelong learners and reach their full potential. Susquehanna Township School District is a public school district located in HARRISBURG, PA. Non-Discrimination; Site Map; Accessibility; Employment; Staff Directory; 801 Wood Street. The school district is located in suburban Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We will be a leader in innovation and technology. Day 2. investigation as being more about getting to the bottom of who started the "rumors" of the alleged sex between a staff member and a student, rather than pursing a proper probe of the actual allegations. Miller said the approximately four-week search process included about 15 to 20 applicants. It has 715 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. The top three then met with parents, teachers, board members and administrators, who provided feedback to administrators conducting the hiring process. Court documents indicate Sharkey faces charges of sexual contact with a student, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor for an incident that occurred on Feb. 1. 2-Hour Delay Schedule. Elementary School; Sara Lindemuth / Anna Carter Primary School; . Contacting Justia or any attorney through this site, via web form, email, or otherwise, does not create an attorney-client relationship. The relationship was ongoing from February through March, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed Friday in Dauphin County court. (Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com, file). But the sex crime case that led to a bungled internal probe, agrand jury investigation and a civil lawsuit. Best of High Schools, loud rings her cry. The grand jury concluded because the evidence never went beyond rumors and because the districts lawyer advised school leaders not to report the rumors, no laws were broken. "It is my belief that I can help students achieve new heights with the help of an outstanding faculty and staff," he said. "I believe that with the support of an outstanding faculty and staff that Susquehanna will be a model of excellence.". Miller confirmed both salaries were approved as stated on the agenda. Hello! officials for bungling the probe itself and for delaying bringing in police for months. We have no further comment at this time. Susquehanna Township High School; Susquehanna Township Middle School; Thomas W. Holtzman Jr. P.O. Bell Schedules. The school district's solicitor is issuing a letter of termination for Sharkey and filing an educator misconduct form with the state Department of Education, according to the school district. PIAA District PIAA District 3 School District Susquehanna Township School Type Public Senior High School. The District has an opening for a Math Teacher. "It is our belief that this did not occur at school or on school property, nor during the school day," Superintendent Susan Kegerise said in the statement. I believe it is my responsibility to be a resource to the school and the community of Susquehanna Township. This advice, in our opinion and in the grand jurys opinion, unnecessarily delayed discovery of Sharkeys criminal conduct and could have potentially endangered other students, said Marsico. Sharkey worked as a special educator and assistant principal at Susquehanna Township High School in 2013. The officers of the newly formed association were George Cain, President; Earl Henry, Vice-President; Sue Bitterman, Secretary; and Sara Beck, Treasurer. Website www.hannasd.org. The echoes of hard lessons learned in the 2013 sex scandal at Susquehanna Twp. He and M.S., a 16-year-old female student, began a sexual relationship. Susquehanna Twp. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Police allege that Sharkey rented rooms at local motels for the purpose of having sexual contact with the female student. Sign up for our free summaries and get the latest delivered directly to you. Sharkeys knowledge of his own wrongdoing is irrelevant to the Districts actual knowledge of the sexual harassment. Then well remember times that are gone, Of dear, old, S.T.H.S. He lives in Hamburg, Pennsylvania with his wife Tara and their two cats Maggie and Molly. All in all, I have had the distinct privilege to teach students in this District for 23 years. School Board members have appointed a new principal to the district's high school, which is shown in the Sept. 18, 2013 file photo above. 717.572 0901 The student also told police that she texted Sharkey with photographs of her in her underwear. Sharkey was criminally charged. Shawn Sharkey had sex with a then 16-year-old student, 100-page grand jury report in the Plum School District case. In alluding to the Susquehanna case, the grand jury seems to be making the broader point that there's a pervasive public school culture that is ill-equipped to deal with sex scandals involving their own staff and students. Thank you for taking the time to visit. Specifically, the report notes that in investigating the case themselves, school officials erred significantly by seeming more concerned with the allegations than with pursuing the actual victimization of a student. Association members in attendance were Mrs. Duey Briner, Grace Keiser, Mrs. Walter Wevodau, Sara Beck, Susan Stoner, Daisy Bickel, Marie Berhart, Irene Mark, Sue Bitterman, Mary VanDyke, George Gruber, Stephen Gruber, George Solada, Allen Solada, George Cain, Early Henry, Jeremiah Long, Earle Lingle, William Baker, John Shoop, Abram Fry, William Miller, Wesley Garland, Norman Snyder, and Professor F.O. My name is Keith Edmonds, and I amthe new Head Principal of Thomas W. Holtzman Jr. M.S. Together, we can prepare them to overcome any experiences by establishing relevant educational standards that are rigorous but also promote a fun learning environment. Board President John Dietrich said Board Member Carol Karl was absent from the meeting. He also was employed by Wilkes University for the Schools and Homes in Education program, an after-school STEAM based program established in the district. Susquehanna Township High School Assistant Principal Shawn Sharkey, 45, of Abington, is awaiting a preliminary hearing in connection with sexual contact with a student. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Elementary School. Miller said the start date for Still and Martin would be "determined based upon when the sending district might release" them. Warm start to March before the next wintry mess on Friday! It has been listed on Rocket Homes since February 28, 2023 and is currently priced at $1,000,000. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. My name is Keith Edmonds, and I am the new Head Principal of Thomas W. Holtzman Jr. Paul Blunt, who served as the districts solicitor at the time, advised them not to go to police. I am excited to serve our community as the Principal of Susquehanna Township Middle School and will do my best each day to ensure the success of all learners. provided details about her relationship with Sharkey. Something where a reasonable person can conclude that the advice is reasonable, I think that would be a possible defense, said first assistant district attorney Fran Chardo. Regular Schedule. I bring 29 years of diversified experience to the position as a former Assistant Principal, Academy Director, Lead Teacher, and Athletic Coach. Police said in the complaint that when they interviewed the girl Wednesday, she broke down and cried as she acknowledged that an inappropriate relationship had taken place. sthsalumniassociation@gmail.com. The Susquehanna Township High School Alumni Association was established in 1922 when a group of graduates met on November 17, 1922. Not finding any evidence of wrongdoing, the superintendent ended the investigation. the high school for a total cost of $3,360.00 and authorize the Superintendent to execute the agreement (pages 49 - 51). Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I look forward to immersing myself completely in our school and hope to avail myself to you as much as possible. Susquehanna Township High School Our School Administration Administration darcher@hannasd.org Acting Principal, Mr. DAVID Archer My name is David Archer, and I am very excited to introduce myself as your new Assistant Principal. We welcome, value, and celebrate the individuality and diversity of our students. The staff at Sara Lindemuth/Anna Carter Primary School work collaboratively with one another, students, and their families to provide the best educational experience possible for children in our district. The focus of that inquiry, or that investigation, was basically whether or not students were spreading false rumors about Mr. Sharkey, not whether or not a child was potentially being victimized, said Marsico. In the end, Sharkey was sentenced in 2015 to 6 to 18months inthe Dauphin County prison work release center, followed by 2 years of probation, on counts of sexual contact with a student, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor. Feb. 18, 2015. abc27 reports there is a warrant for his arrest, and the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office said Sharkey has been suspended from duties at the school. Do not be surprised to catch me at any of the Susquehanna Township High School sporting events seeing that I am a huge fan of our scholar-athletes. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM. School District's investigation of that case are being cited by a grand jury investigating a series of teacher-student sex scandals in Allegheny County. Thank you to Ed Grubb, Class of 1957, for the amazing history lesson! From 2019-2022 I served as the Middle School Assistant Principal. We also appreciate their efforts to make recommendations to state legislators to increase clarity for schools and government agencies in both hiring practices and reporting situations. "On behalf of board members, educators, and students, we are sickened and saddened by this news, and are very concerned about those involved in this difficult situation," the statement added. Sharkey was hired from the Philadelphia School District and came to Susquehanna Township in late January, Anthony said. The initial meeting led to conversations that would last for several hours, the student told police. Harrisburg PA 17106 New Hope Ministries steps up amid end of extra SNAP benefits, Explaining graupel: A more uncommon type of wintry precipitation. The District contacted the police and placed Sharkey on administrative leave. Every learner has the right to a world class education. According to the criminal complaint, police received information Tuesday that Sharkey and a student were involved in a sexual relationship and would meet for sex Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Red Roof Inn in Harrisburg. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) - Police have filed charges against an assistant principal at Susquehanna Township High School who allegedly had sexual relations with a female student. Sharkey would pick up the student around 10 p.m. and bring her home as late as 3 a.m., police said. The teen went on to delete evidence of the relationship from her phone, according to the grand jury. 1/2 Day Schedule B. Staff. Senior Mildred Zimmerman played the piano while Jimmy Wallace led the singing. and assistant principal at Susquehanna Township High School in January 2013. Hello! The original tune which became the basis for our Alma Mater was called Dear Old Harrisburg and was inspired and written for the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce Good Fellowship Cruise by Thomas E. Francis (music) and H.S. Weeks later, students began spreading rumors. Dauphin County Commissioners celebrate high school soccer team Settlement approved in Diocese of Harrisburg bankruptcy Top Video / Feb 15, 2023 / 05:21 PM EST case, police alleged thatShawn Sharkey had sex with a then 16-year-old student shortly after he became assistant principal at Susquehanna Township High School in early 2013. 11. Still said via email Tuesday that he was "excited about the opportunity" to work at the district. Though school leaders made mistakes in their handling of rumors about an inappropriate relationship between a high school assistant principal and a teenage girl, a Dauphin County grand jury has concluded no laws were broken. Susquehanna Township High School assistant principal faces sex charges Live Jan. 6 panel urges Trump prosecution with criminal referral Susquehanna Township High School assistant. The grand jury made some recommendations, including immediately reporting indications of abuse and conducting more thorough background checks of employees. Still said a major reason for his interest in coming to Susquehanna had to do with the opportunity it provided "to work with a diverse population of high performing students.". The districts response is related to this afternoons press conference. A berks county native, Mr. Gibson is the new Assistant Principal at Thomas Holtzman Jr. HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) James Hudock, a former chemistry teacher who was promoted to vice principal at the Hazleton Area High School has pleaded guilty to charges accusing . Oft to our minds will come thoughts of thy dear name. I am honored that I was chosen to assist in leading such an amazing school community. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Where ere our paths may lead. When we shall leave you for worlds of fame. You're all set! Disclaimer: Justia Annotations is a forum for attorneys to summarize, comment on, and analyze case law published on our site. School District respects the diligence and thoroughness shown by District Attorney Ed Marsico and Assistant District Attorney Fran Chardo as well as the thoughtful work from members of the grand jury. Webster (lyrics). School District's investigation of "rumors" of sex between the then principal and a female student. Susquehanna Township High School assistant principal faces sex charges. Sharkey told investigators that he had spoken to the girl on the phone about school issues and personal problems, but had no idea how she got his number. There are no resources or collections to display, Sara Lindemuth / Anna Carter Primary School. even claimed they were pulling their children out of the district, Ralph Lovelidge was reassigned to be the middle school's assistant principal, the school board also approved a contract with Fred Cummins to be its acting principal. Susquehanna Township High School Alumni Association | Harrisburg PA and Sharkey denied the rumors. He had been at the school for less than a year. Well all stand by you ever the same, Well always love you and honor thy name. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. It. Sharkey worked as a special educator and assistant principal at Susquehanna Township High School in 2013. SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP, DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. -- Parents in Dauphin County are outraged after learning a teacher who allegedly used racial slurs in front of students is back in the classroom. Features: 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. and Sharkey had carried on a sexual relationship. And, in an effort to keep some continuity and a familiar face running things, the Tribe has turned to Wertz, who spent last. But, if your solicitor is saying dont do it, then you follow the advice of the solicitor.. and her parents met with the police; M.S. Archer is now an assistant principal at Susquehanna Township. Dear old Susquehanna, were all for you, Dear old Susquehanna, with a heart thats true. Staff Campus Portal (opens in new window/tab) AESOP Employee Login (opens in new window/tab) This is a 4 month program for current 8th - 11th graders interested in Neuroscience & Behavioral Health, Click on scholarship title for full detail of all the scholarships. Susquehanna-Twp-Schools-sex-scandal-probe-faulted-by-grand-jury.jpg. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Community partnerships are vital to our success. The victim reported that she received phone calls that said her grandson had arrest warrants out of Pittsburgh and she was instructed to send , Police said their investigation revealed man attempted to kill the victim inside a patient room and a staff member witnessed the incident and , Today's Sentinel police log includes a Harrisburg cop charged after a drug sting, and two men charged in Middlesex with committing perjury dur. He explained that the sheet music was his latest song and was just off the press. Box 61474 The beginning of my 32-year tenure was at the Harrisburg School District, where I taught for a total of nine years. During an assembly, Mr. Joseph F. Hilbush, District Supervisory Principal, made an announcement that Mr. James D. Wallace, High School Principal, would be distributing an important message. A search of the student's cell phone records by police also indicated numerous calls to and from a phone number that belongs to Sharkey, police said. The school board will review the resignations of Kimberly Donahue, who served as an assistant superintendent in the district, and Ralph Lovelidge, who was reassigned from Susquehanna Township High . I currently hold a Bachlers Degree in Psychology from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA., a Masters Degree in Reading from Bowie State University in Bowie, MD., and a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision from California University of Pennsylvania in California, PA. Contact Information Phone: 717-657-5100 Fax: 717-724-1851 General Email: openrecords@state.pa.us (for general questions and appeal submissions) District Office Hours 8:00am to 4:00pm when school is in session Our learners are destined for remarkable things, and I am excited to be a part of their future success. Day 1. According to the agenda, Still was to be hired with a pro-rated salary of $105,000, and Martin was to have a salary of $80,000. Criminal complaint against Shawn A. Sharkey. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. In early August,the school board also approved a contract with Fred Cummins to be its acting principal in the high school and middle school buildings. The Susquehanna Township School District endeavors to be a world class school district with performance excellence expectations of employees. A check of hotel records indicated that Sharkey had rented rooms at the hotel 28 times between February and April, and the girl's phone records revealed numerous calls to and from Sharkey, the complaint states. still denied having a sexual relationship with Sharkey but officers informed her that they planned to get a search warrant for her phone. According to state test scores, 51% of students are at least proficient in math and 55% in reading. The next day, M.S. The officers of the newly formed association were George Cain, President; Earl Henry, Vice-President; Sue Bitterman, Secretary; and Sara Beck, Treasurer. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Our School - Susquehanna Township Middle School. In addition, the grand jury called on state lawmakers to further define the mandatory reporting law. Jimmy and Thomas were lifelong friends and joined the 1924 cruise. District Supervisory Principal, made an announcement . There was an opening for an elementary school teacher here in the Susquehanna Township District. Web Addresses. Elementary School; Sara Lindemuth / Anna Carter Primary School; Susquehanna Township High School. It goes without saying it is with great excitement that I am looking forward to this school year with you all. This home is located at 3630 N Progress Ave in Harrisburg, PA and zip code 17110. Please subscribe to keep reading. hannasd.org. When police asked Sharkey if he had any kind of physical contact with the student, he said he may have "side hugged" her, but that he never had any other type of physical or inappropriate contact with her, court records show.