Inappropriate Conduct Allegation Lodged Against Substitute Teacher Assigned To Murphy School Library: PD

BRANFORD, CT — A substitute teacher employed by a temp agency, who worked at Murphy Elementary School for a day in January, was accused of "inappropriate conduct" the following day, the school district and police said. The person was assigned to the school library, officials said

The sub, employed by Kelly Services (which provides all Branford Public Schools' subs), worked at the grade school on Jan. 20. When the complaint was received Jan. 21, the person was "immediately prohibited from working in Branford Public Schools."

School administrators immediately reported the concern to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and to Kelly Services, officials said, and as part of standard procedures, DCF also notified the Branford Police Department.

The district noted it has been "working in close partnership with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation."

"We understand that a similar report and arrest have happened in another district," a joint letter from schools Superintendent Christopher J. Tranberg and Branford Police Department Chief Jonathan R. Mulhern reads.

Mulhern and Tranberg shared more information on the investigation:

"We are writing to share information regarding an ongoing investigation involving a substitute teacher who worked in our District. The individual was employed by Kelly Services, a third-party agency, and was assigned to the Library at Mary T. Murphy Elementary School on January 20, 2026. This was the first and only day the individual worked in Branford Public Schools.

On January 21, 2026, the District received an allegation of inappropriate conduct involving this substitute teacher. School administrators immediately reported the concern to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) and to Kelly Services, the provider of substitute teachers for the district. The individual was immediately prohibited from working in Branford Public Schools. As part of standard procedures, DCF also notified the Branford Police Department.

Branford Public Schools has been working in close partnership with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. We understand that a similar report and arrest have happened in another district.

If you have any information to report, please contact Detective Atkinson at 203-481-4241 or datkinson@branfordpolice.com. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Branford Public Schools Director of Security, Scott Riordan, at 203-488-7291 x27978 or sriordan@branfordschools.org, or Superintendent of Schools , Dr. Christopher Tranberg, at 203-315-7809 or ctranberg@branfordschools.org.

Additional information will be provided when available.

The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. While our shared goal is that incidents of this nature never occur, we want families to know that Branford Public Schools and the Branford Police Department collaborate closely so that concerns involving student safety receive immediate and thorough attention. Our staff is trained annually to report any suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

The individual has been placed on the District’s “do not admit” security list, and our security team across all campuses has been fully briefed to ensure the individual is not permitted on school property. We are also reviewing our policies and procedures related to substitute teachers and the use of third-party agencies. We have confirmed that the individual passed a background check and other requirements prior to employment.

We understand that situations like this are deeply concerning for families. Please know that the District followed established protocols by immediately reporting the concern to the appropriate authorities and by cooperating fully with the investigation.

Out of respect for the investigative process and the privacy of those involved, there are limits to what can be shared publicly while the investigation is ongoing. We appreciate your understanding that communication around sensitive matters must be handled carefully so as not to interfere with law enforcement or child protection efforts.

We are grateful for the vigilance of staff members who report concerns and for the strong partnership between our schools, law enforcement, and community agencies that helps protect our children.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Tranberg, Superintendent

Branford Public Schools

Jonathan R. Mulhern, Chief of Police

Branford Police Department