UPDATED 8:47 P.M.: Noyes Parents Planning Rally Wednesday Outside SPS Offices

UPDATED: 8:47 P.M.

A group of about 20 parents of children who attend is planning to hold a rally on Wednesday at 1 p.m. outside the Sudbury Public Schools offices.

According to a Sudbury Patch reader who commented on the article, the rally is to support a teacher of more than 20 years at the school. Janice Donahue, who has an overall teaching career of more than 30 years, was accused of abuse even though no students have come forward to support the claim.

Superintendent Dr. Anne Wilson told Sudbury Patch she is not at liberty to discuss faculty matters.

When contacted by phone, Noyes Principal Annette Doyle said, "I have nothing to say, good luck," before abruptly hanging up.

SPS Committee member Lisa Gutch also said she couldn't comment on faculty matters.

Sudbury Police Lt. Scott Nix said on Monday the department was never made aware of any abuse allegations from anyone in the school.

According to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) website:

Section 51A. (a) A mandated reporter who, in his professional capacity, has reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering physical or emotional injury resulting from: (i) abuse inflicted upon him which causes harm or substantial risk of harm to the child’s health or welfare, including sexual abuse; (ii) neglect, including malnutrition; or (iii) physical dependence upon an addictive drug at birth, shall immediately communicate with the department orally and, within 48 hours, shall file a written report with the department detailing the suspected abuse or neglect.

If a mandated reporter is a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school or facility, the mandated reporter may instead notify the person or designated agent in charge of such institution, school or facility who shall become responsible for notifying the department in the manner required by this section.

A mandated reporter may, in addition to filing a report under this section, contact local law enforcement authorities or the child advocate about the suspected abuse or neglect.

According to one Noyes parent who wished to stay anonymous to protect her children, the rally is to support Donahue.

"She deserves to keep her job and have her name and reputation cleared," the parent said.

DCF media relations representative Cayenne Isaksen said the department had received a complaint, called a 51A report which is an allegation about abuse or neglect on behalf of a child, about Donahue. She could not say when it was received, only that it was received. Earlier in the day she said no report was received.

Wilson sent out an email blast to the Noyes community Tuesday afternoon. Below is a copy that was emailed to Sudbury Patch:

Dear Noyes School Community Members:

I want to thank you for your continued support of our schools. Recently, some of you have made inquiries about a personnel matter at the Noyes School. As you may know, personnel records are confidential under Massachusetts Law, and school administrators are required to comply with the laws protecting the confidentiality of employee personnel records. As a result, we are unable to discuss these matters in public. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting these obligations.

Our first priority is and will continue to be the education and safety of our students in an environment that meets the high standards in the Sudbury Public Schools and is in concert with our core values of celebrating achievement, respecting others, showing care, and encouraging personal responsibility.

Again, thank you for your concern and continued support.

Sincerely,

Anne