CHS PRINCIPAL REVEALS "SADNESS" OVER TEACHER ARREST

Columbia High School Principal Elizabeth Aaron, who hosted her first back-to-school night on Wednesday since taking over the top spot this year, addressed the recent arrest of teacher Nicole Dufault for the first time in her remarks to parents.

Aaron, who is also a Maplewood resident and parent of children who attend district schools, expressed "sadness" at the arrest, which occurred two weeks ago and involves allegations of Dufault having sex with students.

The new principal was open about the impact of the legal matters, but stressed that they will not hinder the high school's efforts.

Some excerpts:

         Under “normal” circumstances, of course, such a night would be a milestone.  But tonight is more complicated for us as parents, teachers, and school leaders, as it comes at a challenging time for our school and larger community. The past two weeks at Columbia have been, as you know, not easy. We are saddened by the news from our building, and many of us - students, teachers, and families -- have struggled with the loss of the happy anticipation that we started the school year with just three weeks ago.  That sadness has been complicated by news coverage, by an ongoing law enforcement investigation, by social media, and by the struggles that we are experiencing personally and professionally as members of our school community around the arrest of a staff member.  
 

I assure you that we meet these challenges by committing to remain focused on teaching and learning and supporting all of our students.  You have reason to doubt us – to doubt me – tonight.  I recognize that.  But I promise to you and our children – and our community – of which I have been a proud resident for 17 years – that the existence of that doubt only deepens my resolve to make Columbia the nation’s  best performing high school – and I believe that is possible.  We are already on that path.  My belief that that is so is the reason I choose to work here. 

It is with profound gratitude for the support many of you have expressed to us, but more importantly that you are providing to your children, that I stand before you this evening to mark this start of the school year with you and I stand here to report that the state of Columbia is strong. It will continue to be so. 

Aaron also vowed to reach out to all students who need it, including those who feel "disaffected and disengaged," while telling parents to "demand" that their children talk about school every day. "

See the entire address HERE.