St. George's Sexual Assault Survivors Call For Independent Investigation
GoLocalProv News Team and Kate Nagle
St. George's Sexual Assault Survivors Call For Independent Investigation
On Tuesday, at a press conference in Boston, three St. George’s School alumni and their attorneys called for an independent investigation into sexual abuse at the preparatory school Middletown, Rhode Island.
Read more below VIDEO
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTGoLocal reported Tuesday that the Rhode Island State Police investigation into St. George's is expanding, with the number of victims coming forth continuing to grow.
In an interview with one of the lawyers for the survivors -- Carmen Durso - GoLocal received updated information on Tuesday.
Durso on Record
"The experience with situations like this where there a number of survivors -- you only get a small percent of those who got abused to come forward," said Durso. "When you have an unusual situation like this with so many coming forward and 700 plus publicly supporting them, that gets more people. I expect more to come forward. As for those going public, it's up to each individual person. There are numbers of people who are able to tell someone but coming forward publicly is not something they can do."
"Regarding the criminal investigation, it is my understanding there is no statute of limitations of rape in Rhode Island. It's technical though -- not everyone who was sexually assaulted was raped," said Durso. "Therefore the elimination of the statute of limitations isn't going to apply to everyone. There are some of the victims who said who said there are raped, and the RSIP have indicated they are pursuing these claims."
"As for whether civil claims will be filed, I can't say whether or not that will happen," addied Durso. "The primary focus is to get the school to respond appropriately to the problems they are having.
Addressing Issues
"There are two pressing problems -- the immediate problem of people in need of psychiatric help and lack the resources to get the help. The number one issue is taking care of that," said Durso. "Then there are people whose lives have been affected -- alcoholism, loss of relationships, educational opportunities and so forth -- and we have to address that separately"
"First things first -- we need to get the school to acknowledge there's a problem and deal with the problem . They have to stop telling victims what they "have to do" -- sexual assault is far more about control than sex. One of the first things anyone who was sexually assaulted has to do, it's that they need to reassert control. The school has blown it in that response," said Durso. "They're saying 'we'll help you" if you do certain things -- like confidentiality agreements, not to disparage the school."
"They want to set up a survivor support group, but the survivors have no say of how that will be structured," said Durso. "There's a great deal of resentment and pushback. If there's a group -- they need to have a role in fashioning it. The best way I can describe is [St. George's] is tone deaf -- they have not listened, or responded in the way that victims want to hear."
St. George's Responds
St. George’s School deeply apologizes for the harm done to alumni by former employees and former students of the school. We also apologize that the way in which the school addressed these incidents has served to compound this harm.
We recognize the long-lasting impact of sexual abuse and are dedicated to working with survivors to aid them in healing from its painful aftermath. To that end, the School has authorized reimbursement for counseling for survivors. There is no set limit on the number of counseling sessions available to survivors, and reimbursement will be made on a renewable basis.
We also commissioned a third party investigation to learn about any and every instance of sexual abuse. Over the course of eight months, more than 100 individuals were interviewed. We have made a public report on this investigation but the work remains ongoing. We welcome the opportunity to hear from anyone who has additional information to share. We are also cooperating with law enforcement and state child protection agencies.
St. George's School is committed to establishing and adhering to best practices and policies to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all of its students. All employees undergo criminal background checks, reference checks, and careful screening throughout the hiring process. In recent years, the School has required all employees to participate in training on boundary issues and mandatory reporting requirements, and students have been engaged in a series of conversations concerning sexual assault. Finally, the policy manuals for faculty, staff and students undergo regular comprehensive reviews to update and enhance our policies and language related to sexual abuse prevention and reporting.
New England Top Boarding Schools' Heads Make Mega Salaries
#50
Headmistress: Susan Graham
Total Compensation: $279,201
School: The Gunnery
Number of Students: 298
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Washington, CT
Tuition Boarders: $51,200
Tuition Day Students: $38,500
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Susan Graham retired in June 2012. Her successor was Peter W.E. Becker who took over in July 2012.
#49
Headmaster: Thomas W. Farmen
Total Compensation: $282,671
School: Rumsey Hall School
Number of Students: 326
Grades: 5-9
Location: Washington Depot, CT
Tuition Boarders: $51,465
Tuition Day Students: $24,190
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#48
Headmaster: Andrew C. Chase
Total Compensation: $283,335
School: Eaglebrook School
Number of Students: 252
Grades: 6-9, All Boys
Location: Deerfield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $56,250
Tuition Day Students: $34,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#47
Headmaster: Phillip Peck
Total Compensation: $290,400
School: Holderness School
Number of Students: 280
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Plymouth, NH
Tuition Boarders: $54,100
Tuition Day Students: $34,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#46
Headmaster: Dr. Jerry Larson
Total Compensation: $291,629
School: Cheshire Academy
Number of Students: 352
Grades: 8-12, PG
Location: Cheshire, CT
Tuition Boarders: $47,840
Tuition Day Students: $33,490
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#45
Headmaster: John Warren
Total Compensation: $294,137
School: St. Mark's School
Number of Students: 356
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Southborough, MA
Tuition Boarders: $50,975
Tuition Day Students: $40,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#44
Headmaster: Robert Hill
Total Compensation: $307,300
School: The Williston Northampton School
Number of Students: 460
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Easthampton, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,900
Tuition Day Students: $35,900
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#43
Headmaster: Andrew Menke
Total Compensation: $307,320
School: New Hampton School
Number of Students: 310
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: New Hampton, NH
Tuition Boarders: $53,700
Tuition Day Students: $32,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#42
Headmaster: Bradford Hastings
Total Compensation: $308,140
School: Pomfret School
Number of Students: 357
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Pomfret, CT
Tuition Boarders: $52,175
Tuition Day Students: $33,000
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Bradford Hastings retired in June 2011. His successor was Tim Richards who took over in July 2011.
#41
Headmaster: Chisholm S. Chandler
Total Compensation: $314,145
School: Salisbury School
Number of Students: 305
Grades: 9-12, PG, All Boys
Location: Salisbury, CT
Tuition Boarders: $53,700
Tuition Day Students: $43,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#40
Headmaster: Mark A Devey
Total Compensation: $322,320
School: Indian Mountain School
Number of Students: 260
Grades: 6-9
Location: Lakeville, CT
Tuition Boarders: $52,000
Tuition Day Students: $27,400
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#39
Headmaster: Dexter P. Morse
Total Compensation: $323,754
School: Worcester Academy
Number of Students: 645
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Worcester, MA
Tuition Boarders: $55,598
Tuition Day Students: $31,574
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Dexter Morse retired in June 2012. His successor was Ronald M. Cino who took over in July 2012.
#38
Headmaster: Rick Hardy
Total Compensation: $327,595
School: Concord Academy
Number of Students: 370
Grades: 9-12
Location: Concord, MA
Tuition Boarders: $48,050
Tuition Day Students: $38,850
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#37
Headmaster: John Doggett
Total Compensation: $327,628
School: The Governor's Academy
Number of Students: 398
Grades: 9-12
Location: Byfield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $50,900
Tuition Day Students: $40,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
John Doggett retired in June 2011. His successor was Peter H. Quimby who took over in July 2011.
#36
Headmaster: Tom Lovett
Total Compensation: $331,733
School: St. Johnsbury Academy
Number of Students: 950
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: St. Johnsbury, VT
Tuition Boarders: $49,300
Tuition Day Students: $15,750
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#35
Headmistress: Caroline Erisman
Total Compensation: $333,746
School: Dana Hall School
Number of Students: 445
Grades: 9-12, All Girls
Location: Wellesley, MA
Tuition Boarders: $54,980
Tuition Day Students: $41,250
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#34
Headmaster: Robert Broudo
Total Compensation: $334,967
School: Landmark School
Number of Students: 450
Grades: 9-12
Location: Prides Crossing, MA
Tuition Boarders: $67,600
Tuition Day Students: $51,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#33
Headmistress: Elizabeth Cromwell Speers
Total Compensation: $336,321
School: The Ethel Walker School
Number of Students: 258
Grades: 9-12, PG, All Girls
Location: Simsbury, CT
Tuition Boarders: $52,300
Tuition Day Students: $33,500
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#32
Headmaster: Mike J. Maher
Total Compensation: $342,809
School: Berkshire School
Number of Students: 391
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Sheffield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,150
Tuition Day Students: $42,150
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Mike Maher retired in April 2013. His successor was Pierter Mulder who took over in May 2013.
#31
Headmaster: Bill Phillip
Total Compensation: $342,827
School: Westminster School
Number of Students: 390
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Simsbury, CT
Tuition Boarders: $54,000
Tuition Day Students: $40,500
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#30
Headmistress: Margaret Joblonski
Total Compensation: $345,112
School: Miss Hall's School
Number of Students: 206
Grades: 9-12, PG, All Girls
Location: Pittsfield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $51,970
Tuition Day Students: $31,825
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#29
Headmaster: Carl Stasio Jr.
Total Compensation: $378,717
School: Thornton Academy
Number of Students: 1500
Grades: 9-12
Location: Saco, ME
Tuition Boarders: $42,000
Tuition Day Students: $12,500
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Carl Stasio Jr. retired in July 2012. His successor was Rene Menard who took over in July 2012.
#28
Headmaster: Dr. Michael E. Cooper
Total Compensation: $394,784
School: Brewster Academy
Number of Students: 358
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Tuition Boarders: $51,400
Tuition Day Students: $31,700
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#27
Headmistress: Kathleen Carroll Giles
Total Compensation: $396,379
School: Middlesex School
Number of Students: 375
Grades: 9-12
Location: Concord, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,300
Tuition Day Students: $41,800
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#26
Headmaster: Eric F. Peterson
Total Compensation: $411,197
School: St. George's School
Number of Students: 364
Grades: 9-12
Location: Newport, RI
Tuition Boarders: $54,100
Tuition Day Students: $37,200
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#25
Headmaster: James Tracy
Total Compensation: $412,350
School: Cushing Academy
Number of Students: 445
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Ashburnham, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,700
Tuition Day Students: $38,450
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
James Tracy retired in June 2013. His successor was Christopher Torino who took over in July 2013.
#24
Headmaster: Rodney LaBrecque
Total Compensation: $416,663
School: Wilbraham & Monson Academy
Number of Students: 431
Grades: 8-12, PG
Location: Wilbraham, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,985
Tuition Day Students: $35,640
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#23
Headmaster: Rob Gustavson
Total Compensation: $419,035
School: Fay School
Number of Students: 450
Grades: 7-9
Location: Southborough, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,300
Tuition Day Students: $31,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#22
Headmaster: Kenneth LaRocque
Total Compensation: $430,974
School: Avon Old Farms School
Number of Students: 409
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Avon, CT
Tuition Boarders: $50,450
Tuition Day Students: $38,150
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#21
Headmaster: Richardson W. Schell
Total Compensation: $435,895
School: Kent School
Number of Students: 560
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Kent, CT
Tuition Boarders: $54,300
Tuition Day Students: $42,600
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#20
Headmaster: William R. MacMullen
Total Compensation: $437,669
School: The Taft School
Number of Students: 576
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Watertown, CT
Tuition Boarders: $50,300
Tuition Day Students: $37,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#19
Headmaster: Thomas Sheehy
Total Compensation: $437,751
School: Canterbury School
Number of Students: 350
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: New Milford, CT
Tuition Boarders: $51,900
Tuition Day Students: $40,600
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#18
Headmaster: Thomas E. Hassan
Total Compensation: $443,252
School: Phillips Exeter Academy
Number of Students: 1085
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Exeter, NH
Tuition Boarders: $46,905
Tuition Day Students: $36,430
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#17
Headmaster: David Beecher
Total Compensation: $443,803
School: Hillside School
Number of Students: 140
Grades: 5-9, All Boys
Location: Marlborough, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,300
Tuition Day Students: $31,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#16
Headmistress: Shelia Culbert
Total Compensation: $447,522
School: The Loomis Chaffee School
Number of Students: 650
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Windsor, CT
Tuition Boarders: $53,750
Tuition Day Students: $40,780
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#15
Headmaster: Michael J. Schafer
Total Compensation: $457,952
School: Kimball Union Academy
Number of Students: 324
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Meriden, NH
Tuition Boarders: $51,250
Tuition Day Students: $31,050
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#14
Headmaster: Michael G. Hirschfeld
Total Compensation: $462,942
School: St. Paul's School
Number of Students: 542
Grades: 9-12
Location: Concord, NH
Tuition Boarders: $50,180
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#13
Headmaster: James R. Clements
Total Compensation: $469,449
School: Tilton School
Number of Students: 225
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Tilton, NH
Tuition Boarders: $52,500
Tuition Day Students: $30,100
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
James Clements retired in June 2012. His successor was Peter C. Saliba who took over in October 2012.
#12
Headmaster: Peter J. McDonald
Total Compensation: $470,022
School: Eagle Hill School
Number of Students: 204
Grades: 8-12
Location: Hardwick, MA
Tuition Boarders: $82,835
Tuition Day Students: $62,725
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#11
Headmaster: Malcolm McKenzie
Total Compensation: $481,907
School: The Hotchkiss School
Number of Students: 594
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Lakeville, CT
Tuition Boarders: $52,430
Tuition Day Students: $44,575
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Malcolm McKenzie stepped down in June 2013. His successor was Dr. Kevin M. Hicks who took over in July 2013.
#10
Headmistress: Katherine G. Windsor
Total Compensation: $517,373
School: Miss Porter's School
Number of Students: 311
Grades: 9-12, All Girls
Location: Farmington, CT
Tuition Boarders: $50,455
Tuition Day Students: $40,245
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#9
Headmaster: Alex Curtis
Total Compensation: $537,310
School: Choate Rosemary Hall
Number of Students: 856
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Wallingford, CT
Tuition Boarders: $51,950
Tuition Day Students: $40,000
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#8
Headmistress: Margarita Curtis
Total Compensation: $555,823
School: Deerfield Academy
Number of Students: 467
Grades: 9-12
Location: Deerfield, MA
Tuition Boarders: $52,615
Tuition Day Students: $37,685
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#7
Headmaster: Richard B. Commons
Total Compensation: $576,698
School: Groton School
Number of Students: 371
Grades: 8-12
Location: Groton, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,870
Tuition Day Students: $41,960
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Richard Commons resigned in June 2013. His successor was Temba Maqubela who took over in July 2013.
#6
Headmistress: Barbara L. Chase
Total Compensation: $579,042
School: Phillips Academy Andover
Number of Students: 1141
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Andover, MA
Tuition Boarders: $48,850
Tuition Day Students: $38,000
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Barbara Chase retired in June 2012. Her successor was John Palfrey who took over in July 2012.
#5
Headmaster: Robert Henderson
Total Compensation: $581,493
School: Noble and Greenough
Number of Students: 300
Grades: 7-12
Location: Dedham, MA
Tuition Boarders: $46,700
Tuition Day Students: $40,900
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#4
Headmaster: Todd B. Bland
Total Compensation: $635,392
School: Milton Academy
Number of Students: 680
Grades: 9-12
Location: Milton, MA
Tuition Boarders: $49,400
Tuition Day Students: $40,550
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#3
Headmaster: Charles Cahn III
Total Compensation: $664,679
School: Suffield Academy
Number of Students: 414
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Suffield, CT
Tuition Boarders: $50,800
Tuition Day Students: $35,000
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
#2
Headmaster: Thomas K. Sturtevant
Total Compensation: $703,217
School: Northfield Mount Hermon
Number of Students: 650
Grades: 9-12, PG
Location: Mount Hermon, MA
Tuition Boarders: $54,700
Tuition Day Students: $37,300
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Thomas Sturtevant resigned in June 2011. His successor was Peter B. Fayroian who took over in July 2011.
#1
Headmaster: Jay S. Stroud
Total Compensation: $822,011
School: Tabor Academy
Number of Students: 496
Grades: 9-12
Location: Marion, MA
Tuition Boarders: $53,375
Tuition Day Students: $38,250
Source: IRS 990 Forms as submitted by the School, School's Web site
Jay S. Stroud retired in June 2012. His successor was John H. Quirk Jr. who took over in July 2012.
