Diaper drive underway

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Marblehead Health Department will be sponsoring a diaper drive in April to benefit families in need.

The Health Department will be accepting only new and unopened packages of diapers in all sizes from newborn to size 6, though the larger sizes (5 and 6) are a greater need. Donations of baby wipes will also be gratefully accepted.

In addition, the Current has learned that former Charter employee Robert Erbetta of Marblehead has filed a complaint against Cohen with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination after being fired last June.

Erbetta had been affiliated with the school for 27 years, serving as a board member at one point. He most recently worked as the facilities director, overseeing construction projects.

“I believe I was unfairly terminated by Mr. Cohen on June 30, 2022, based on my age alone,” Erbetta, who is 80 years old, wrote to the MCAD.

Cohen did not respond to requests for comment.

Wadlow said he understands his fellow parents’ anxiety as the board conducts its internal investigation into the initial allegation, but he added that learning is continuing at Charter.

“I’ve been in the school the last few days, and I’ve seen a tremendous team effort from the teachers and staff to do what they’ve always done, which is to make Charter special,” Wadlow told the Marblehead Current. “They are inspired to keep things going.”

Assistant Head of School Stephanie Brant assumed Cohen’s responsibilities during his paid suspension.

Cohen became Charter’s head of school in 2019, after working as a principal in Nantucket and Westford. MCCPS, at 17 Lime St., opened in 1995 and serves about 215 children in fourth through eighth grade.

At a Charter Board meeting March 28, several parents expressed concern about the allegation and the way the school was handling communication.

“Why do you tell the community about the allegation and the investigation without any specifics?” asked one mother. “It may have to do with allaying the fears of people, but I think at this moment it has kind of lit them. And so we’re all left with speculation with respect to the wording. I have an eighth­grader. I have a fifth­grader. I feel like the school needs to address it with them because they need to feel like they’re in a safe space.”

Charter psychologist Melissa DeLeo tried to assure parents that their children are in good hands.

“I just want to make sure that all the parents on this call know that their kids will be supported and they will be taken care of,” she said. “I have the utmost faith in my colleagues. They are hardworking, amazing teachers. And we’re going to do everything that we can to continue to have a safe and happy and healthy learning environment for your kids.”

School counselor Sarah Biltcliffe added, “I’m more than happy to remind the children that every single adult in this building cares about them and that school is safe. And we want them to feel safe. So if kids have questions, encourage them to come see me, and we can talk through their concerns.”

The school recently sent out acceptance letters for the 20232024 academic year to prospective families.

“To new parents, we understand the anxiety and uncertainty that this might create,” Wadlow said. “While the timing isn’t great, we’re doing the best we can to support the school. We hope to wrap this up as soon as we can.”

The investigation was being handled by three members of the Charter Board: Paul Baker and Ian Hunt, whose children are MCCPS alumni, and current MCCPS parent Lindsay Smith.