NHI Schools Reporting Recognized

For the record, poor Mr. Vercillo was acquitted and his name was cleared of any wrongdoing. I don't recall any articles about that here or elsewhere. What is his status today?

John Tulin: Bass's article says Vercillo was granted Accelerated Rehabilitation. Technically, the process "clears his name", but it is hardly an acquittal or a finding of no wrongdoing.
"He had to return to court four times before a judge granted him accelerated rehabilitation (AR), preventing him from teaching for a year until he could clear his record. (The prosecutor had sought two years.) Vercillo wanted to fight the charges, but his lawyer informed him it would cost $12,000 to $20,000."
There was a separate DCF finding that he did contest. ​“"DCF finds that you pose a risk to the health, safety or well-being of children and is recommending that you be placed on the Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry.' Based on that recommendation, the state Board of Education is moving to revoke Vercillo’s certificates to teach or serve as an administrator. Anywhere in Connecticut. ... Vercillo is appealing the DCF finding."

1644, thank you - but I was referring to what has happened since the article. Mr. Vercillo had a hearing in mid-Sept and was exonerated on all charges.

A grant of AR status means that a person has NO criminal record and can truthfully answer that s/he has never been arrested. Appearing at court numerous times is fairly standard. Some "political" cases can drag an accused to court for at least a year, even when the case is clearly never going to trial.
The DCF intrusion into the case should never have happened.
Mr. Vercillo was abandoned by the educational system in which he works, although I am told that the union lawyer was quite effective in the end.
Many people can't afford "justice", which is why there are many innocent people in jail.
Mr. Vercillo remains a dedicated and capable teacher and that he has to deal with what the system put him through is proof of the "Alice in Wonderland" aspects of this tragedy.

I always teach my history classes that in addition to the three branches of government there is a fourth, very important branch called, “The Press.” Today more commonly referred to as the media and often vilified or confused with the modern contagion of social media. Our Founders knew the true power of ink over blood insisting that brave editors, and investigative journalists like Paul Bass be ever vigilant. I had no where to turn and my liberties had been subjugated by salacious tabloid news reporting, infinite powers of unelected administrative agencies and NHPS institutional failures. My only fault: I showed up for work. On a “meaningless” half day before Thanksgiving when many others got sick, without enough staff, once again, dangerous workplace. In jail when I should have been preparing our turkey I felt that justice was unattainable. I reached out to Paul Bass for help. He said with his characteristic enthusiasm, “let’s do it man!” He set up an interview, none of the other teachers showed up. He asked if I still wanted to do it, I replied, “I have nothing to hide.” It’s hard to explain the particulars of my situation but I had to prove my innocence four times (lawyer for each) over 10 months to separate administrative panels, hearing officers, judges & magistrates representing the CT Judicial system, Dept. of Education, DCF & NHPS. Each independent of the other. The AR was forced on me early I wanted to prove my innocence but was advised this was not financially feasible. However, after an exhaustive investigation by DCF, I am FULLY EXONERATED of ALL CHARGES.
Paul Bass wrote this article with complete independence and truthfulness. I never expected the thorough article he wrote. To imagine he wrote this award-winning piece in hours! I want to commend the entire NHI staff and Paul Bass for safeguarding our liberties as the fourth branch of government. Thank you, [email protected]

We are so used to seeing the NHI and individual reporters, including Paul Bass, receive accolades for their work that I forgot to mention how deserved these awards are.
It is no exaggeration to say that the NHI is at the vital core of what constitutes the community in New Haven.
No other paper has both the breadth and depth of coverage of local news on such a consistent basis.
And the Comments section is a also an important part of the citywide dialogue.
Yes, recognition of the writing of staffers (and its editor) at the NHI are routine.
Are we not lucky to have an NHI?

Paul Vercillo has been exonerated on ALL CHARGES. The system got it right, but the system overreacted and that must send a chilling message to all educators.
John Vellecca was particularly harsh in his judgment when the story first ran and I cautioned him to view the earlier video, which was withheld allegedly to protect the juvenile - although he didn't need protection in the released video? - before coming to a conclusion.
I had the advantage of knowing Paul and had spoken with him about the incident.
Did anyone else who commented have any personal knowledge about the event?
I think we would all do well to withhold judgment until sufficient facts are available to get a better understanding of what happened. The availability of video is a real game changer, but when some of it is withheld, so should any judgment.
Although Paul Vercillo was completely vindicated, and showed great compassion for the young boy involved, I'm not sure his ordeal will produce more support within the system for keeping all involved safe. The hammer came down hard on Paul for being alone in a dangerous situation and holding back for a very long period of time. If you were a teacher, would you anticipate that is what you'd have to do if a confrontation developed or would you feel assured that you would have support and assistance every step of the way?
Teachers are voting with their feet and leaving the schools.