Crime & Safety

Foxborough Schools Superintendent Addresses 'Disturbing' Sexual Abuse Case in Letter to Parents

Foxborough Schools Superintendent Debra Spinelli sent a letter to parents in the community Thursday to address recent reports of a sexual abuse case involving incidents involving a former Ahern Middle School teacher that occurred in town over 30 years a

Recent reports of a sexual abuse case in Foxborough involving a former Ahern Middle School teacher from over 30 years ago is likely to cause shock, anger and sadness throughout the community.

Understanding this type of reaction, Foxborough Schools Superintendent Debra Spinelli was proactive in issuing a letter to parents in the community Thursday.

"These reports of child sexual abuse in this community in the past are deeply disturbing to those of us who live and work in Foxborough," Spinelli said Thursday in response to Foxborough Patch inquiries. "The Foxborough Public School District joins other institutions throughout the town in expressing concern and empathy to any victims and their families. While these cases may have occurred some 40 years ago in Foxborough, we are still deeply impacted as a caring school community. 

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"Now, more than ever, we must come together as a community to confront the past and work together to protect children from abuse. I am confident that our school community – administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and students – will work together to minimize any impact these terrible allegations might have on our primary mission to educate the children of Foxborough in a safe and caring environment."

Foxborough Police Chief Edward O'Leary has also offered support to the community.

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Some of the assaults actually took place 40 years ago," said O'Leary. "[Spinelli] felt that public, especially those in the school system, should understand they are very supportive and if people have concerns they can contact the school system. She has been a great partner in hopefully preparing our community for a shocking event.

“I cannot say enough about the courageousness of those victims that have come forward and if anybody at all has any additional information or any concerns that we can help, feel free to call us here at the police station.”

The number to Foxborough Police is (508) 543-4343.

To read Spinelli's letter to Foxborough parents, view the PDF file above.


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