Independent investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement
Independent investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement
The Issue
The lawsuit filed last week by Lisa Della Pietra ’86 indicates a leadership crisis in Poly Prep’s administrative ranks that has caused significant damage to the school’s reputation. Given Della Pietra’s years of service to the Poly family, the school’s dismissive tone in a follow-up email message further troubles the alumni community.
The Board's June 2 email explaining the situation in depth was overdue -- and a step in the right direction. The retirement of Scott Smith '75 from the Board and the placement of Steve Andersen '71 on indefinite leave are also positive moves. We applaud the Board for these actions.
These positive steps aside, the school's history of obfuscation and opacity during the sexual abuse scandal involving coach Phil Foglietta are too recent to ignore. The mishandling of that tragedy necessitates increased vigilance.
As such, we feel compelled to demand a fact-finding committee composed of alumni, teachers and parents – and led by an independent third-party – to investigate allegations of corruption and other illegal and inappropriate behavior by Andersen, as well as mismanagement by David Harman and Smith.
Della Pietra's complaint is long, and the abuses it alleges are numerous and disturbing. The ongoing lawsuit aside, the alumni community feels that the full range of Della Pietra's allegations -- from bullying to extortion -- must be investigated. Determining what administration figures, if any, beyond Andersen and Smith are culpable is also key.
Poly Prep is a place, but it is also an idea. It is larger than all of us, and it is certainly larger than one man. With an incredible community of alumni, parents, faculty and staff, we are confident that the school has an opportunity to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
However, until we feel comfortable in the leadership of the Board and the administration, Poly’s alumni community must take action. Until such time as the Board initiates an independent investigation, the undersigned alumni have no choice but to cease financial contributions to the school effective immediately.
The Issue
The lawsuit filed last week by Lisa Della Pietra ’86 indicates a leadership crisis in Poly Prep’s administrative ranks that has caused significant damage to the school’s reputation. Given Della Pietra’s years of service to the Poly family, the school’s dismissive tone in a follow-up email message further troubles the alumni community.
The Board's June 2 email explaining the situation in depth was overdue -- and a step in the right direction. The retirement of Scott Smith '75 from the Board and the placement of Steve Andersen '71 on indefinite leave are also positive moves. We applaud the Board for these actions.
These positive steps aside, the school's history of obfuscation and opacity during the sexual abuse scandal involving coach Phil Foglietta are too recent to ignore. The mishandling of that tragedy necessitates increased vigilance.
As such, we feel compelled to demand a fact-finding committee composed of alumni, teachers and parents – and led by an independent third-party – to investigate allegations of corruption and other illegal and inappropriate behavior by Andersen, as well as mismanagement by David Harman and Smith.
Della Pietra's complaint is long, and the abuses it alleges are numerous and disturbing. The ongoing lawsuit aside, the alumni community feels that the full range of Della Pietra's allegations -- from bullying to extortion -- must be investigated. Determining what administration figures, if any, beyond Andersen and Smith are culpable is also key.
Poly Prep is a place, but it is also an idea. It is larger than all of us, and it is certainly larger than one man. With an incredible community of alumni, parents, faculty and staff, we are confident that the school has an opportunity to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
However, until we feel comfortable in the leadership of the Board and the administration, Poly’s alumni community must take action. Until such time as the Board initiates an independent investigation, the undersigned alumni have no choice but to cease financial contributions to the school effective immediately.
Petition Closed
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The Decision Makers
Petition created on June 1, 2015