Recently Greenwich Schools superintendent Dr. Toni Jones sent an email to Cos Cob School families and staff with an update on changes in the school’s administration.
Last August 31 the assistant principal Jeremy Boland was put on leave after Project Veritas published video of him filmed without his knowledge chatting with a woman in what appeared to be a series of bars or restaurants. In the video he speaks about how he didn’t hire Catholics or people over 30.
Reaction was swift.
The story made national headlines.
Greenwich Republican candidates for election on Nov 8 quickly organized a press conference outside Cos Cob School with surprise guest James O’Keefe from Project Veritas.
According to their website Project Veritas follows the one-party consent rule. “We do not break the law. We maintain one-party consent when recording someone is inherently moral and ethical.”
Last month, the board of directors at Project Veritas ousted Mr. O’Keefe from the organization he founded in 2010.
According to NPR, the board of directors said it had “uncovered ‘financial malfeasance’ and accused O’Keefe of spending ‘an excessive amount of donor funds in the last three years on personal luxuries.'” NPR quoted the directors saying those included $14,000 on a charter flight to meet someone to fix his boat under the guise of meeting with a donor, $60,000 in losses from dance events, more than $150,000 in Black Cars in the last 18 months, and others.
5 Investigations of Jeremy Boland
Since the video of Mr. Boland was released and he was placed on leave and remains on leave. Five investigations were launched: one from the school district which is already completed, one by the Town of Greenwich at the direction of the First Selectman, one by the Attorney General William Tong’s office using his civil rights authority, and one by the CT Dept of Education.
Dr. Jones said at the January BOE meeting that Greenwich Schools had concluded its investigation in the matter of Mr. Boland, and its findings had been shared with the other agencies.
Since Mr. Boland was placed on leave, Karen Vitti, a special education coordinator, has filled in on “special assignment” to cover the assistant principal role.
This month, in her letter to Cos Cob families, Dr. Jones said Ms Vitti would stay at Cos Cob at least through the end of the school year.
“We cannot thank her enough for her commitment and dedication to the Cos Cob community,” Jones said.
In February the superintendent made Kerry Gavin the permanent principal at Cos Cob School. He had been interim principal since July 2022, replacing Gene Schmidt who had retired after holding the position since 2013.
Interview Committee
Jones said a search for a permanent assistant principal would involve putting together an interview committee of teachers, parents and senior administrators.
“Generally, parents are selected for the committee who are currently volunteering as leaders with the PTA,” she noted.
In addition, she said, “we have accepted a letter of resignation from Assistant Principal Jeremy Boland, effective June 30.”
“We continue to fully comply with the on-going investigations by numerous State of Connecticut and local organizations. Please remember that investigations of this nature are extremely thorough and can take months to be completed,” she added.
Jones vowed to continue to communicate via email with updates to keep the Cos Cob community informed as the process progresses.
See also:
Dueling Rallies Outside Board of Ed Meeting Reflect Opposing Views Sept 22, 2022
Project Veritas Targets Greenwich Schools with “Gotcha” Video Aug 31, 2022
PHOTOS: After Hidden Camera Video Goes Viral, Republicans Demand Accountability Sept 1, 2022
Cos Cob School Assistant Principal Placed on Administrative Leave Aug 31, 2022
PHOTOS: After Hidden Camera Video Goes Viral, Republicans Demand Accountability Sept 1, 2022