Concord High School Principal Takes A Leave Of Absence

CONCORD, NH — Concord High School Principal Tom Sica has decided to take a voluntary leave of absence, effective June 24, 2019, as the Concord School District undertakes a full investigation into the Primo "Howie" Leung teacher-student rape case. In a letter to the Concord school community, released on June 21, Terri Forsten, the school superintendent of SAU 8, said the district and board of education will be engaging the services of "an independent, outside investigator to examine two separate and distinct incidents." Those episodes include an incident reported at Rundlett Middle School in December 2014, and what actions were taken, and what was reported at Concord High School in December 2018, and what processes were followed after allegations of inappropriate teacher-student conduct were brought to the attention of the school's administration.

During this time, Sica will be on paid leave, Forsten stated.

"The district agrees with and is supportive of Mr. Sica's decision," Forsten stated in the letter. "We anticipate the investigation will be complete sometime this summer, at which time further steps will be reviewed and decided upon by the board."

Forsten told Concord NH Patch in an email that the board had not contracted for the investigatory services yet but were hopeful that it would be wrapped by mid-to-late-July. At the same time as the investigation is underway, the board will review district policies and procedures surrounding sexual harassment, bullying, abuse, and community safety, she noted. Professional training for staff will be created as well as learning opportunities for students. Forsten added that the learning opportunities for student would empower them and help them understand policies and reporting procedures.

The district and board will be working with local experts to support its development and planning, she stated.

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The 2 Incidents

The first incident is believed to be the suspension of then-RMS student Ana Goble when she attempted to raise issues about Leung's behavior back in 2014. At the time, there were allegations of Leung and a student being cozy and flirty in the hallways of the school. The allegations were investigated but inappropriate behavior was denied. Goble told her parents about her concerns, including Leung inviting a special group of girls to lunches and field trips. But before they could meet with Sica about what their daughter had observed, Sica called them in to let them know that Goble was being suspended for spreading malicious gossip.

The second incident involved three Concord High School students who reported seeing Leung kissing and hugging a student in a vehicle on the Concord Heights in 2018. Thee report by the students led to an investigation of Leung, a denial of anything inappropriate with the student – who was an adult – and later, an investigation by the New Hampshire Department of Education, Concord police, and charges in Massachusetts of rape against a girl.

The district and board are hosting meetings entitled Policy Work on Student Safety on July 8, and July 22, as part of the board's Community & Policy Committee. The board is encouraging public feedback via email.

Sica has been principal at Concord High School since 2016. Before that, he was principal at the Rundlett Middle School for six years. Between 2002 and 2010, he was an assistant principal at Concord high School. During Sica's time at Rundlett, Leung was named a distinguished educator.

Got a news tip? Send it to Tony Schinella at tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/tonyschinella.