Paulsen's Pre Trial to Continue

Douglas Paulsen, the Darien High School's English Department Coordinanator who faces a public indecency charge stemming from an incident at a Norwalk gym that took place in late November of last year, appeared in Norwalk Superior Court for a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday morning. Paulsen entered a plea of not guilty; his pre trial will continue on Feb. 25.

Paulsen has been suspended from teaching since his last court appearance in early December. Superintendent of Schools Donald Fiftal said the trial would not directly affect Paulsen's teaching status, emphasizing the separation of the court and the classroom.

"All I can say is that the court proceeding is its own decision, and there are serious issues raised there," said Superintendent of Schools Donald Fiftal. "We're not necessarily linked to the judicial system in terms of the outcome, but we will also be keeping aware of the court."

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 Advocate, the police report stated that Paulsen had left the gym by the time police arrived. Sgt. Lisa Cotto said Paulsen subsequently denied the allegation.

"I have done absolutely nothing wrong and the criminal claims against me are completely false. I directly refuted this allegation from the moment I was first contacted by law enforcement authorities," said Paulsen in a statement released Dec. 8.

Fiftal described his decision to suspend Paulsen "with pay and without prejudice" as "administrative, not disciplinary," adding that the suspension has caused little of any disruption in the classroom.

"The administration is working hard to ensure that Paulsen's students continue to receive teaching of the highest quality."