ICYMI: Wilmington Selectman 'Disappointed' in Handling of WHS Teacher Allegations

Editor's Note: This story was originally written earlier this week. Here it is again in case you missed it.

WILMINGTON, MA — Like many Wilmington residents have over the past few weeks, Selectman Greg Bendel spoke out in response to Superintendent Mary DeLai's decision to allow a Wilmington High School teacher accused of domestic violence to return to work just over a week after his arrest.

During the Sept. 26 meeting of the Wilmington Board of Selectmen, Bendel expressed his disappointment in the way the situation was handled by DeLai. While acknowledging that the Board of Selectmen does not have jurisdiction over school personnel issues, Bendel indicated his disappointment that DeLai did not communicate with other town officials before communicating with the public.

Bendel read a brief statement during the board's new business period during the meeting.

"In light of recent events, I would like to say publicly that I am disappointed by how the school's superintendent recent events," Bendel said at the meetin."I am disappointed that the superintendent did not communicate with the town manager, police chief, or any other town administrator before communicating with the entire community about such as serious issue."

Shortly after Altieri's arrest on Sept. 11, DeLai issued a statement to the Wilmington Public Schools community indicating that Altieri had been placed on paid administrative leave. It was announced that following Sunday that Altieri would be returning to his position at WHS.

Following the decision allow Altieri to return to school, a statement acknowledging the public's concerns was released. Before moving on to another issue, Selectman Mike McCoy stated that he totally agreed with Bendel.

"I am very concerned about the message her decision sends to our children and to all of the residents of the town about how officials in the Town of Wilmington feel about domestic violence," Bendel stated at the meeting.

Image: Wilmington Community TV Screenshot