Some highly concerning information was recently brought to light regarding the in-coming principal Mr. Christopher Sheldon, of Lisbon Central School (LCS) in Lisbon, Connecticut. Mr. Sheldon is expected to take his new role effective 7/1/2022.

A concerned parent privately sought out a meeting with the current superintendent Sally Keating through email to gain clarity on the school’s position as to why Mr. Sheldon was selected. Ms. Keating’s response or lack thereof, was short and dismissive. “Thank you for reaching out to me. We have a thorough vetting process. Personnel issues are at my discretion, and we are very happy to have our new Principal on board. Have a good day”.

Due to Ms. Keating’s inability to relate to her constituents and her failure to collaborate with the parents of the children who are served at LCS, this parent shared the public information surrounding Mr. Sheldon’s previous arrest to other parents, who after learning of this, also expressed their grave concerns about how Mr. Sheldon was considered the best and most appropriate candidate for principal of LCS. It was agreed that available parents would attend that evenings Board of Education meeting to address the group’s collective concerns.

In the public article (that can be found on Google), it describes how Mr. Christopher Scott (fka) “was one of seven people busted for fondling each other in a seedy Rhode Island porno theater”. “Among those arrested, Christopher Scott, a 30-year-old Cumberland, R.I., high school teacher”. Some were charged with disorderly conduct and some were charged additionally with loitering for prostitution for allegedly soliciting others to join the orgy.

We, the parents requested that the board answer the following questions;

1.       If an employee in your school currently, was arrested for a similar incident, would he or she still be teaching here?

2.       Why has the school decided to hire this individual, and found that it was okay to overlook his arrest? “Which I have been made aware that individuals in this room may have known about this, including the superintendent.”

3.       Was Mr. Sheldon previously arrested or charged with disorderly conduct?

4.       Was Mr. Sheldon previously arrested or charged with loitering for prostitution for allegedly soliciting others to join an orgy?

5.       What was the reason for the short term at Sterling Community School 2019-2020?

6.       What was the reason for the short term at Thompson Public Schools 2016-2018?

7.       How does the school board view the “Parental Rights in Education” bill and primarily how does Mr. Sheldon view this bill?

Ms. Keating vehemently refused to answer any questions surrounding Mr. Sheldon’s past and further continued in the meeting only to announce him as the new school principal, who would be taking over effective 7/1/2022. When again asked by multiple parents and fellow school board members, if she was going to consider the concerns that were brought before the board, she again stated “we don’t address the questions”.

The National Education Association (NEA) describes the Code of Ethics for Educators as; “The educator, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, and the nurture of the democratic principles. Essential to these goals is the protection of freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal educational opportunity for all. The educator accepts the responsibility to adhere to the highest ethical standards. The educator recognizes the magnitude of the responsibility inherent in the teaching process. The desire for the respect and confidence of one's colleagues, of students, of parents, and of the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct. The Code of Ethics of the Education Profession indicates the aspiration of all educators and provides standards by which to judge conduct.”

The parents of LCS are demanding action! We, the parents recognize the importance of truth and have reasonably asked that the BOE respond and answer these questions honestly and publicly. We, the parents ask that the BOE nurture the same democratic principles that they’ve sworn to uphold and ask that they afford us due process. We, the parents believe that educators should always adhere to the highest ethical standards. We, the parents desire to be respected by the BOE, especially when presenting real and legitimate concerns, and to know that our voices are being heard and not swept under the rug. We, the parents kindly request that the BOE maintain and require the highest possible degree of ethical conduct of all educators and superintendents, past present and future.

If what is written in this article is true then we, the parents request that the board honestly and ethically explain to us, the true stake holders of the board how the decision was made to hire Mr. Sheldon. This is information that we deserve. If the board cannot or will not respond to our very reasonable request then we, the parents cannot support nor accept Mr. Sheldon as principal of LCS. 

To The Public – if you share the same concerns as we, the parents then please sign and share this petition. Our children’s lives literally depend on it!

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today” ~Malcom X

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time” ~Maya Angelou

“As a parent, it’s your job to protect your children and put their interests fully and completely before your own” ~Dr. Phil