Second Central Catholic Staffer Resigns Following Misconduct Investigation

By Kiera Blessing
Eagle-Tribune
May 18, 2017

http://www.eagletribune.com/news/second-central-catholic-staffer-resigns-following-misconduct-investigation/article_3bc4c5e4-3c03-11e7-bffd-ef0c69b5759b.html

A second staff member has left Central Catholic High School following allegations of inappropriate behavior.

John Housianitis, a social studies teacher at the school and a graduate of the Class of 1977, resigned his position after he was found to have posted "compromising photos of himself on an adults-only, password-protected website," according to Central Catholic President Christopher Sullivan.

"I accept Mr. Housianitis' resignation with regret. John's violation of our policies was regrettable, however, it was not physically harmful to any student," Sullivan said in a statement released Thursday. "John's service to the school and its students will long be remembered. I wish him well in the future."

Sullivan announced Housianitis' resignation Thursday afternoon, but said his departure from the school was effective beginning April 26, the day he was placed on leave from the school.

Richard Nault, an administrator and basketball coach, was also suspended on April 26. According to the school, Nault sent messages to a recent graduate of Central Catholic on social media, in violation of school policy. He resigned May 5. His resignation was made retroactive to April 26 as well.

The suspensions of Nault and Housianitis came one day after the firing of former administrator Andrew Nikonchuk for failing to maintain "appropriate social boundaries between students and faculty." Nikonchuk was accused of drugging and raping a then-15-year-old student in 2006. The Middlesex County district attorney's office is investigating the allegations against Nikonchuk. No charges have been filed.

Sullivan said when Housianitis was put on leave that copies of his "compromising photos" were "circulated" among the school community.

"This staff member’s online behavior is inconsistent with the values of self-respect, compassion for others, and healthy decision-making for the children we serve," Sullivan said.

A statement from Housianitis was sent out to members of the Central Catholic community Thursday afternoon along with Sullivan's message.

Housianitis called the school his "second home for the past 34 years."

"It has been my honor to serve the school in various capacities over those many years. Whether I was teaching in the classroom or acting in an administrative capacity, I enjoyed every minute I was associated with the school," Housianitis said.

He said he was "humbled beyond belief" by the texts, emails, cards and telephone calls he had received over the past few weeks.

"I am grateful for this outpouring of support, which has been a great source of comfort and inspiration," Housianitis said.

He also wished students, faculty and the Central Catholic administration "nothing but all the best."

kblessing@eagletribune.com