Concerned Parents Speak Out at Pembroke School Committee Meeting

Allegations of bullying, verbal abuse, and sexual harassment by gym teacher prompt public comments seeking immediate action

PEMBROKE, MA - May 20 - Parents in Pembroke are demanding action from the school district regarding numerous complaints of bullying and inappropriate behavior by a gym teacher. The concerns were raised during a school committee meeting on Monday, May 20.

Over the past year, more than 30 students have reported instances of verbal abuse, humiliation, physical intimidation, and a new sexual harassment claim against the teacher. Despite the complaints and documented incidents, parents say the school district has not taken substantial measures to address the issue.

"These reports include verbal abuse, humiliation, physical intimidation, and a new sexual harassment claim that the victim wishes to remain anonymous," said Amanda Carr, a Bryantville parent. "This behavior is not only unacceptable, but also a direct violation of the safe and supportive environment our school is supposed to provide our children."

Parents expressed frustration with the lack of action from the school district, stating that the inaction leaves their children vulnerable and sends a message that their well-being and mental health are not a priority. They emphasized the crucial role teachers play in shaping children's lives and the importance of being role models who inspire, encourage, and support students.

Stacey Tiro, a parent of two daughters at North Pembroke, shared her concerns about the Bryantville PE teacher being transferred to North for the upcoming school year. She highlighted the growing number of parents and teachers speaking out about the issue, with a dedicated Facebook group of 207 members and numerous independent posts detailing children's complaints and traumas based on the teacher's actions.

"Personally as a parent, I'm not willing to wait and see what happens to my kids next year if this teacher gets brought over," Tiro said. "I feel like if it was possible for this teacher to interact differently and more appropriately with students, surely these adjustments already would have been made by him."

Maura McMahon, a mother of two boys, shared her kindergartner's experience with the gym teacher. Her son, who is developmentally delayed and on an IEP, has complained about the teacher being mean and forcing him to sit on the bench during class.

"He's six, and it's hard to get a full story about what is happening," McMahon said. "I know he dreads school on Thursday because it's gym day every day after school."

Megan Dunn, a Bryantville mother with a fourth grader and a first grader on an IEP, expressed similar concerns. She stated that the gym teacher goes against at least three of her son's IEP categories almost weekly, making it a struggle to get her children ready for school on gym days.

"I believe most of the parents said it better than myself, but I just wanted to stand here to say I am in support of all these parents against this gym issue," Dunn said. "I hope all of you can see that there is an issue, and instead of just moving the issue, maybe try to solve the issue, which currently is not what's happening."

The school committee acknowledged the parents' concerns but did not engage in discussions due to open meeting law and other obligations. They assured the parents that they would take the matter under advisement and move on with the agenda.

As the situation unfolds, parents in Pembroke remain steadfast in their demand for action from the school district to address the complaints and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for their children.