Marc Fortier

Sharon High School Principal on Leave Pending Investigation Into Teacher's Arrest

The Sharon School Committee chairman said Sharon High School Principal Jose Libano is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into matters related to the firing of teacher Bradley Lengas

A Massachusetts high school principal has been placed on paid administrative leave as school officials investigate matters related to the firing of a teacher accused of indecent assault.

Sharon School Committee Chairman Jonathan Hitter said in a statement Monday that Sharon High School Principal Jose Libano has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into matters related to the recent removal of teacher Bradley Lengas.

Hitter said he couldn’t elaborate further, citing the “advice of counsel.”

Lengas, 56, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, faces a charge of indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14. He was released on personal recognizance following a court appearance last week.

The school district initially suspended Lengas in December; he was fired in February after Sharon police announced the criminal charge.

The details of the case have not been released.

Students who felt left in the dark over the allegations took matters into their own hands when they were caught protesting Friday on campus.

"We were matching the halls, we were chanting, 'hear us now' because the students didn't feel like they were being heard," said student Matt Jacobson.

Students also wrote letters about their experiences with sexual harassment and posted them around the building of the school. Students say however, school leaders put a stop to it all.

"I don't think administration wanted that around. Obviously, that can get a little chaotic," said student Noah Martinez.

"They actually unplugged the printer to keep students from printing the letters," added Jacobson.

NBC10 Boston obtained one of the letters students wrote to school administrators which read in part:

"What I cannot wrap my head around is how the administration continued to disregard allegations of sexual harassment during the 2017 wave of the #MeToo movement."

Lengas is due back in court on April 29.

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