NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – A months-long investigation has concluded former Wilbur Cross High School employee Frank Redente Jr. violated New Haven Board of Education policy by using force against a juvenile male student that was deemed “not reasonable or necessary,” according to an investigative report. 

The May 2018 incident was captured on surveillance, which was obtained exclusively by News 8’s Mario Boone after he filed a Freedom of Information request.

Redente, son of Board of Education member Frank Redente Sr., was also found in violation for using a restraint on the student that was “contrary to statutory prohibitions.”

The 24-year veteran school district employee was slapped with a 15-day suspension without pay, a three-year last chance agreement, mandatory anger management training and reassigned to Fair Haven School.

Redente declined to be interviewed on camera for this story.  He did submit a written statement in which he noted a separate Department of Children and Families investigation did not substantiate abuse or neglect in this incident. 

Redente’s full statement can be read below:

I am a 24 year employee of NHPS, who was specifically requested to be assigned to Wilbur Cross High School because of my recognized ability to positively interact with at-risk youth who display challenging behaviors. On the day in question, I was escorting a young man to the office who was just involved in an altercation. There is a video of me pushing this youth and restraining him. I had explained during my interview, to no avail, that this push was done tactically to provide space between me and a young man with a history of aggressive behavior who had just struck me in the face at the bottom of the stairs.This was apparently not captured on video because the camera in the stairwell was not functioning.

The video and incident were thoroughly investigated by the Department of Children and Families, DCF concluded that my actions did not warrant substantiation of abuse or neglect. I have no explanation as to how or why the NHBOE could review the same set of facts and ascertain such a diametrically opposed opinion as to what transpired. At this time, both parties have reached a conclusion to this matter. The outcome was a settlement that allowed me to put an end to this nightmare and get on with my life and get back to work. 

I have committed my professional career to the at-risk youth of New Haven. The health and safety of my students has always been my number one priority. As proud as I am of that career, I am more proud of the many young men and women who I’ve been able to mentor and guide to productive lives. Now that this situation has been resolved, I am completely focused once again on their health and well-being. 

New Haven Public Schools Chief Operating Officer William Clark also issued a statement, which reads:

“We take all allegations involving student safety seriously.  In this case we engaged an independent investigation by outside counsel to examine the situation and make a final decision while respecting due process.  Note DCF also investigated and did not substantiate abuse.”

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