Source: 6A Kitty Hawk Landing Ste 101
Contact: Daniel Black, Superintendent (603) 432-6920, ex 1109
Date: 9\/8\/2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dear Londonderry Families,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
School officials have recently become aware of extremely concerning allegations regarding a
toxic and pervasive culture of bullying, harassment, and discrimination on the Londonderry High
School Cheerleading Squad. Unfortunately, these allegations encompass the entire cheerleading
program, including the coaching staff, student athletes, and parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last night, school administration discussed the allegations with the School Board in non-public
session. The school board, with the full support of the administration, voted unanimously to
suspend the LHS Cheerleading Program effective immediately. The suspension will remain in
effect until at least September 25, 2023, at which point the Board will re-evaluate the program\u2019s
standing for the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, and we hold student-athletes in
Londonderry to high standards. The District attempts to offer as many extra-curriculars as it can
to satisfy the various needs and interests of a diverse student population. However,
fundamentally, extra-curricular activities are an extension of a rigorous program of academic
instruction in Londonderry, and the educational component of these extra-curriculars cannot be
put aside. When we receive allegations that a program\u2019s overall culture is perpetuating
mistreatment of students, we must act swiftly. To that end, the Board is in the process of securing
an independent investigator to conduct an investigation into these allegations. The cheerleading
coaching staff is currently on paid administrative leave and will remain on leave until the
conclusion of the investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the investigation is ongoing, it is important to know the following: first, there has been no
finding of any wrongdoing in the cheerleading program. If the investigation concludes that
misconduct has occurred, administration will address that misconduct through typical
disciplinary channels. Second, while we know that suspension of the cheerleading program
impacts many people in our school community, it is critical that we allow the investigator to do
their job and that we not participate in gossip, rumors or speculation. Any student conduct that
amounts to bullying or retaliation should be reported to the appropriate administrator and will be
addressed accordingly. Third, while your student\u2019s conduct in school matters, please also be
mindful of their conduct on the internet. Board Policy JICK extends to cyberbullying, and
administration will address those allegations through its typical process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every administrator and School Board member in Londonderry has the shared goal of helping
students succeed in a caring, supportive learning environment. Where the integrity of that
environment has been compromised, it is incumbent upon all of us to determine what went
wrong and how we fix it. We look forward to resolving this matter as quickly as possible and we
thank you all for your commitment to making LHS a safe and respectful environment for all
students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sincerely,
Daniel Black<\/p>\n\n\n\n