Bloomfield Schools Respond To N.J. Teacher’s Sex Assault Charges

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield school officials have issued a statement in the wake of a Bloomfield High teacher’s arrest for alleged sexual assault, calling the accusations “very serious and disturbing.”

On Thursday, police arrested Leo Donaldson, 30, of Bloomfield, an architecture teacher and track/cross-country coach at Bloomfield High School, according to a joint statement from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bloomfield Police Department.

According to prosecutors, Donaldson - formerly known as Leo Inglima - is alleged to have sexually assaulted the 15 and 17-year-old males at his home in Bloomfield and his previous residence in Jersey City during 2015 and 2016.

Donaldson, a well-known teacher and coach at the school, received the American Heart Association’s New Jersey American Heartsaver Award in June when he reportedly helped to save the life of a Bloomfield High School sophomore who collapsed during track practice.

• See related article: Bloomfield Teacher, Coach Charged With Sexually Assaulting 2 Teens: Prosecutor

Donaldson was suspended with pay in light of the allegations, Nicholas Dotoli, director of administration and general counsel for the Bloomfield Board of Education told NJ.com.

Following Donaldson’s arrest, Bloomfield Superintendent Salvatore Goncalves issued a statement that he was “saddened and disheartened” about the charges facing the teacher.

“Unfortunately, the allegations are very serious and disturbing,” Goncalves wrote. “In the meantime, Mr. Jennings and I want to ensure that every child has access to counseling, if necessary. We have contacted the Bloomfield Township Department of Community Services and we have enlisted the support and assistance of Carol Manning, LCSW to assist in providing mutual aid to the district including daily support, crisis and intervention and assessment with students, faculty and/or family members.”

Goncalves said that the district is working closely with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, as the matter continues to be the subject of an active investigation.

“Although I am unable to share more detailed information at this time, please know that we are deeply committed to the safety and welfare of your child,” Goncalves wrote.

Anyone with information that may assist the prosecutor’s office in its investigation can contact Captain Steve Roberts at (973) 621-4700.

Photo: Essex County Prosecutor’s Office