After an internal school district investigation found no wrongdoing by Abbot-Downing Principal Anthony Blinn, he will return to the school on Thursday.
Blinn, who has been at the school since 2018, said he was very excited about the outcome and ready to get back to work.
“I cooperated in any way possible during the district’s investigation,” he said in a written statement. “I’m excited to return to Abbot-Downing School to serve the students and their families of the South End.”
The month-long investigation was prompted by claims that Blinn did not adhere to reporting requirements for student restraints and seclusions, Superintendent Tim Herbert said in an email Monday. Blinn cooperated fully with the investigation, which determined that the allegations were unfounded, according to the email.
A school employee who uses seclusion or restraint must submit a written notification to the Superintendent within five business days after the use of restraint or seclusion. Per district policy, school employees are required to report any suspected violation of seclusion and restraint policies to the building principal or the superintendent within 24 hours or by the end of the next school day.
“Seclusion” is defined as the involuntary confinement of a child alone in any room or area from which they are unable to exit. “Restraint” refers to bodily physical restriction or any device that restricts the freedom of movement of the torso, head, arms, or legs.
Herbert did not give details about the specific reporting requirements for the circumstances reviewed.
“We do take allegations of this nature seriously and will be reviewing and monitoring our processes to assure compliance with all reporting requirements,” Herbert wrote in a statement.
Families were made aware of Blinn’s absence in a September email and told that Danielle Bolduc, who most recently served as the principal of Gilford Elementary School, would be stepping in as interim principal.
In mid-October, Herbert told the Monitor that the district was looking into a concern and that Blinn was on paid leave.
“I recognize that Mr. Blinn’s absence has raised questions within the Abbot-Downing community,” Herbert said. “At the same time, personnel matters require a level of confidentiality that limits what the District can appropriately share.”
Blinn said he plans to welcome Abbot-Downing students and greet families at the start of the school day on Thursday.
