NEEDHAM, MASS. (WHDH) - According to Needham Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst, the Needham High School band director has been arrested on child sexual abuse material charges.
The band director, Spencer Parrish, has been placed on administrative leave, according to school officials. Parrish worked in Needham schools for the last four years.
The district says there is no indication from police any students were involved.
Gutekanst says counselors will be available to students and staff in light of the arrest.
In a statement to district families, Gutekanst said in part, “The safety and wellbeing of our students is the district’s top priority, and we will cooperate with all law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues…. We are committed to being transparent with families and staff, even if the news is unsettling.”
Superintendent Gutekanst says Parrish’s access to Needham Public School buildings, grounds, and digital files has been revoked as well.
The arrest comes one month after Needham Middle School teacher Michael Ciccolella, of Ashland, was suspended from the school district following his arraignment in Framingham District Court on child sex abuse material charges. His bail was set at $500K by the judge.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)