Schools

Mood at High School "Low Key" Following Teacher's Public Indecency Charge

English Department Coordinator Douglas Paulsen continues to teach at Darien High School.

News of Darien High School teacher Douglas Paulsen's recent charge of public indecency has swept local media headlines; but Superintendent of Schools Donald Fiftal said the mood remains "low key" at the high school, where Paulsen continues to teach.

As first reported in the Norwalk Advocate, Paulsen, 58, was charged with public indecency at a Norwalk gym on Nov. 24, after a 28-year-old man claimed Paulsen was masturbating in a nearby shower while watching him. According to the report, Paulsen had left the gym by the time police arrived. Sgt. Lisa Cotto said Paulsen subsequently denied the allegation; he is to be arraigned at state Superior Court in Norwalk on Dec. 7.

"Mr. Paulsen is a fine man with a stellar track record, and that adds poignancy to the current allegation," said Fiftal. "He continues to be a respected member of the faculty. At the same time, I don't minimize the significance of the information, and the need to deal with it as necessary."

Fiftal said news of the allegation was first brought to his attention last Friday by a DHS parent who had read the Advocate's police report.

"My focus has been on fact-finding and monitoring the situation," said Fiftal. "I have to make sure that my actions protect the interest of the school and the students and that I am being fair with an employee."

Paulsen continues to teach at the high school, where Principal Dan Haron is monitoring the situation closely.

Haron said "everything is fine," but that given the sensitivity of the issue would prefer not to comment further.

"There was no way for me to feel that for Mr. Paulsen to continue to teach in his current status would pose any harm or anything unsafe towards the school," said Fiftal. "Mr. Haron confirmed that it's been pretty low key."

Students reactions vary.

"I heard the story and completely forgot within an hour. Not too many people I know are talking about it," said Senior Chris Trigaux.

James Payne, a senior who was in Paulsen's English class last year said students were taken aback by the news—but not for long.

"Most kids are like, 'Did you hear about this? I wouldn't think of Mr. Paulsen being that kind of guy.'" said Payne. "No one's going crazy. I mean, kids are more talking about other stuff."

Fiftal said he will re-evaluate Paulsen's status after his arraignment Dec. 7 and take disciplinary action if and when necessary.

The Advocate reports Paulsen was also involved in a previous incident back in 2006, where he was assaulted by John Rodas at the Norwalk YMCA. Rodas had accused Paulsen of similar behavior.

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Disclosure: Trigaux and Payne are both Darien Patch contributors.


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