Wissahickon School Board Provides Statement on Arrested Teacher

During Monday night's meeting, district solicitor read the following statement regarding former teacher Dr. Ronald Goldberg:

"The District was recently notified by law enforcement authorities that a former teacher, Dr. Ronald Goldberg, was arrested by the police on charges related to alleged inappropriate touching of two females. The charges arise from allegations that Dr. Goldberg inappropriately touched two female students, one during the 2003-04 school year and one during the 2008-09 school year.

"By way of background, in May 2004, the school district received information that Dr. Goldberg touched two students inappropriately. The District took action to promptly investigate the matter. The District gave Dr. Goldberg an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Dr. Goldberg denied the charges. These events were reported to law enforcement authorities and an investigation ensued. No criminal charges were filed by law enforcement authorities.

"Nevertheless, the District Superintendent at that time suspended Dr. Goldberg without pay pending dismissal proceedings. Dr. Goldberg utilized an arbitration hearing to contest the suspension and dismissal. Following a hearing, the arbitrator ordered the school district to reinstate Dr. Goldberg with full back pay. He arbitration award was dated January 20, 2006. In accordance with the legal duty to comply with the arbitrator’s decision, Dr. Goldberg was reinstated and he was paid full back pay.

"The superintendent at the time provided strict directives to Dr. Goldberg that he was to work properly and not engage in inappropriate conduct. Dr. Goldberg continued teaching until he retired on June 19, 2009. The school district did not receive any complaints about Dr. Goldberg’s actions between the time of his reinstatement and his date of retirement. The school district has fully cooperated with law enforcement authorities and will continue to do so."