Statement of Cohasset Superintendent of Schools Louise Demas

For Immediate Release

Thursday, August 30, 2018

News Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Statement of Cohasset Superintendent of Schools Louise Demas

COHASSET — Cohasset Superintendent of Schools Louise L. Demas issues the following statement to the public:

“I have been informed that a criminal complaint was issued today against a Cohasset Middle School teacher concerning disturbing allegations of inappropriate conduct toward a student.

“Jeffrey Knight, who has been employed at Cohasset Middle School as STEM teacher since August 2011, has been charged with indecent assault and battery on a minor. The charges come as a result of an investigation by the Cohasset Police Department, initiated after a student came forward. My office has cooperated fully with that investigation, and Knight has been on administrative leave since the start of that investigation.

“We are monitoring the court case closely, and Knight’s employment status is under review. As is the case with all personnel matters, we cannot be more specific at this time.

“I am disturbed and deeply troubled by these allegations. I understand that families, students, faculty, and staff alike will no doubt have questions. Due to legal limitations, I cannot discuss the allegations further. Additional information will likely come from the relevant law enforcement organizations.

“I will be opening a dialog with faculty, staff, and administrators over the next several weeks. Any employee or member of the community is welcome to contact my office anytime with questions, thoughts, or concerns. I encourage families to have an open and honest dialog with their children.

“We will have counselors available at both the Middle and High Schools to start the school year. Anyone who has questions, concerns, or just needs to talk to someone will be encouraged to use these private and helpful resources.”

“We support the student’s decision to come forward, and it is our hope that other members of our school community would feel comfortable in doing so if they determine something is not right. In such cases we will work with law enforcement to determine the appropriate course of action.”

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