New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Individual disciplinary hearings were conducted by Headmaster Kulak today on two of three students who have been considered suspects in the incident that occurred on Friday, May 30th, 2014 at New Bedford High School in which fire extinguishers were activated releasing materials into the air mixed with material from the home economics classroom causing the school to be closed. The third student requested a change of date for the hearing. The hearings held resulted in the students being barred from participating in any end-of-year activities including the senior prom as well as being forbidden to participate in the Graduation Exercises which will be held next Thursday, June 12.
Students were informed at the hearings that their actions of “defacing, destroying, and…. causing damage to school property, insubordination, and socially unacceptable behavior” violated the code of conduct for students of New Bedford High School.
Dr. Pia Durkin, Superintendent, said that “It is more than unfortunate that this incident attempted to overshadow the terrific work of our students who attend our schools every day at the time of year when we are celebrating their accomplishments. We will not tolerate vandalism or any other thoughtless acts which reflect blatant disregard for fellow students and staff and the high expectations we hold for all of New Bedford’s students. Over the past week, I have spoken to dozens of kids who refuse to have this event define their school and will proudly end the year strong.” Superintendent Durkin also praised the New Bedford Police Department for their continued persistence and diligence in handling the investigation.
Dr. Durkin has not yet heard back from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on whether or not the school year at New Bedford High School must be extended by one day as a result of last week’s closure.
Statement from the New Bedford Police
The School Resource Officers (Officers John R. Ribeiro, Shane Harris, and Willie Coates) assigned to New Bedford High School under the direction of Sergeant Samuel Ortega began a criminal investigation to identify those responsible.
That investigation, which involved a number of investigative steps including the review of surveillance footage, as well as interviews of both students and staff, the officer’s were able to identify three suspects responsible for the damage to the school. All three were New Bedford High Seniors and will be summonsed into court, to face the following criminal charges:
- B&E night time with intent to commit a felony – M.G.L. Chapter 266 sec16, &
- Malicious Defacing of Property – M.G.L. 266 sec 126A
They are identified as:
1. A Male Juvenile
2. Jose Matias
18 years old
289 Hillman St
3. Derryn Pinette
18 years old
166 Charles St.
Chief David A. Provencher stated that he commends the officers and staff at New Bedford High for the swift and successful conclusion to the investigation of a very serious act of criminal vandalism. He also commends Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin for her support and assistance in bringing this investigation to a quick resolution. This act should not and is not considered as a “prank” in any way. There is simply no other way to view this act than as a crime. We take this very seriously and are satisfied with the quick and successful resolution to this investigation.
