MANATEE (FL)
Herald Tribune
When Manatee County school officials complete their review of allegations against longtime educator Joseph Gilpin, they need to publicly detail the events leading to his departure and any resulting changes in school district policies and practices.
Gilpin, a 34-year employee of the district, resigned as assistant principal at Haile Middle School last week after officials learned of accusations that he sexually molested two boys while he was studying to become a priest in the Northeast in the 1960s.
One of the complaints was part of an $85 million settlement reached by the Archdiocese of Boston with numerous individuals who reported being abused by priests. A second man has filed a complaint with the Roman Catholic Church in Maine, alleging Gilpin molested him from 1968 to 1970.
Although Manatee officials now appear to be on the right track with their review, numerous reports have emerged in recent days that warrant a formal report explaining certain details: