Office of the Head of School

August 22, 2016

Dear members of the NMH community,
In April, I wrote to express my concern about recent media reports that outlined how some
boarding schools, especially in past decades, had not properly dealt with incidents of sexual
misconduct. Motivated by those reports, we initiated an effort to examine our own past to see
if Northfield Mount Hermon, too, had fallen short at some point in its history. That effort began
by openly inviting alumni to contact us about any such experiences they may have had while
enrolled at NMH.
To ensure the integrity of this effort, we retained Jackson Lewis, an outside law firm, to handle
the investigation into all allegations. Among other actions, they examined old files, conducted
interviews, and spoke directly with those courageous alums who came forward to share their stories.
The firms three-month investigation, which just recently concluded, identified six credible
allegations of past sexual misconduct by faculty members against students. All of these incidents
occurred between 25 and 40 years ago. In all but one instance, the faculty members involved were
separated from Northfield Mount Hermon shortly after the school learned of the incidents. In the
remaining instance, the faculty member was disciplined and allowed to stay, but left the school
over a decade ago.
A seventh incident was brought to our attention in early August when an alumna contacted me for
the first time with an allegation involving faculty member Gary Partenheimer. The alleged incident
occurred more than 30 years ago and involved a student who has had no connection with the school
or Mr. Partenheimer since her graduation. After speaking with her and with Mr. Partenheimer, who
did not deny the allegation, I determined the allegation to be credible. Jackson Lewiss investigator,
after speaking with the alumna, concurred with that opinion and I terminated Mr. Partenheimers
employment. While we have no evidence to suggest any misconduct has occurred since that
incident, NMH cannot continue to employ anyone we believe is guilty of such a serious violation
of the trust of our students.
I have spoken personally with all the alums who have come forward with allegations. These were
emotional, heart-breaking conversations. I apologized for NMH, and thanked them for their
courage. I have assured themand I assure all of youthat NMH will continue to provide them
whatever support it can. In addition, and despite the long passage of time since each of the cases
described above, we have notified the appropriate authorities of the information we received.
I want to be clear that NMH has zero tolerance for any sexual misconduct by faculty and staff
members against students. Ensuring student safety and respecting students personal boundaries
must be the priority of any educator and any school. At NMH today, our systems and structures

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include mandatory faculty training, educational programs for students, and strict reporting
requirements and disciplinary procedures, all of which are designed to make our school as safe a
place for students as it can be. We continue to examine best practices, adding to our procedures
as is appropriate.
On behalf of NMH Board of Trustees Chair Stephen S. Fuller 58, P98 and the entire board of
trustees, I thank you for your support and understanding. My door remains open to all members of
the NMH community. As the new academic year begins, please know that our focus is on ensuring
that NMH provides its students with the best possible education in the safest possible environment.
Sincerely,

Peter B. Fayroian
Head of School