Middle school principal on ‘confidential’ leave in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT (WFSB) - A middle school principal in Middletown was placed on leave for an undisclosed reason.

Raymond Byron, principal at Beman Middle School, was placed on leave for an “indeterminate amount of time,” superintendent Dr. Alberto Vázquez Matos wrote in a letter to the school community.

The letter was sent out on March 1.

The decision came days after an investigation into anti-Semitic graffiti was found in the school.

School leaders said swastikas were found in bathrooms on multiple occasions.

However, Matos has not said if the decision to place Byron on leave was connected.

“Our priority continues to be the well-being and education of our students,” Matos said in the letter. “As such, I have asked Mr. Dan Raucci, our Supervisor of English Language Arts (Grades 6-12) and a longtime MPS employee, to serve as Interim Principal of Beman Middle School.

Raucci assumed the position on Monday, March 4.

“We appreciate your understanding and support,” Matos concluded.

Middletown Public Schools would only say that the reason for Byron’s leave was “confidential.”

Channel 3 is working to find out more.

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