Parents Outraged After Former Primos Elementary School Principal Accused Of Sexual Assaulting Student
CLIFTON HEIGHTS, Pa. (CBS) -- The community in Upper Darby Township continues to seek answers following a former elementary school principal's arrest. Jonathan Wisneski, the former principal of Primos Elementary School in Clifton Heights, is facing multiple child sexual assault charges.
Prosecutors say he assaulted a 13-year-old girl years ago. There could be more victims, according to officials.
Now, parents are speaking out on Saturday night.
"I think we're just waiting with bated breath and saying 'Please don't let it be my kid,'" Lisa Lightner said.
Parents say they're on high alert after a former principal in the Upper Darby School District was arrested and arraigned for incidents involving children.
"Who knew what and when and was everything disclosed like it should have been," Lightner said.
On Friday, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and Upper Darby Police officials announced that Wisneski is facing eight charges ranging from sexual contact with a student, indecent assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.
"We put our faith and trust in these educators to protect our children," said Kathy Newell, whose kids go to school in Upper Darby School District. "I'm sorry, I'm getting emotional."
Investigators say the alleged incidents happened while the 43-year-old was a principal at Primos Elementary School. He left the position nearly three years ago. They say initial allegations were made in 2018, but it wasn't until this week they had enough to make an arrest.
Wisneski was later employed as an Education Director at Devereux CARES Behavioral Health, but has been placed on administrative leave and has no access to students.
"People don't listen to children," Lightner said. "They don't listen to disabled children. And it has dire consequences. That person was likely telling the truth, right? And for whatever reason, not enough evidence."
Lightner said her son attends Devereaux, a school for children with special needs. She's concerned that the suspect was able to once again work with children after being accused of crimes in the past.
"It's really reminiscent of what the Catholic church did with kind of just shoving people out the door and letting them be somebody else's problem," Lightner said.
For other parents like Newell, her concerns are with the district her kids go to school in.
"I'm sorry so many people failed on this and I want to find out every single person that did it," Newell said.
Upper Darby School District Superintendent, Daniel P. McGarry, was also at the press conference Friday.
The school district sent a statement and said, "The School District addressed this personnel matter appropriately with the information we were provided after a full investigation and input by all parties."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.
