Head of School Nicholas Egan fired Dec. 28
The Healdsburg School’s Head of School Nicholas Egan was terminated in December following an investigation into claims of sexual harassment from staff members at the private school.
In a letter dated Dec. 28, the school informed parents and community members of the decision, following Egan’s termination. “At the completion of the investigation, the board received a report, debated the matter, and unanimously decided to terminate our Head of School, Nicholas Egan. The board concluded that the conduct at issue was inconsistent with its leadership expectations and in violation of the school’s policies and values,” stated the letter.
In an email dated Feb. 12, Egan responded to the allegations against him. “I’m very proud of the work that I have done at The Healdsburg School and am disappointed that the board of trustees chose to go in this direction,” the email said. “I strongly deny any allegation of harassment and am exploring legal options.”
Founder and former head of school Sandi Passalacqua has been pressed into service to lead the school on an interim basis.
“We are profoundly grateful Sandi is able to support us through this time. We have every confidence she will ensure that our school continues to provide our great students with a learning environment focused on academic excellence, civic responsibility and character development,” said the Dec. 28 letter.
According to a document on the school’s website, the search for a new head of school began in October, when according to Board of Trustees co-President Peter Mork, Egan informed the board of his intention to step down.
However, it appears allegations came to light regarding Egan’s behavior after that announcement, precipitating an investigation by The Healdsburg School. The board declined to be interviewed by phone, but they did respond, via Mork, to emailed questions.
“Our Head of School search was initiated in October 2018 after Nicholas Egan informed us he planned to resign from his position in June 2019. The school first received allegations of sexual harassment on November 28, 2018,” Mork said in an email. “The allegations related to workplace harassment only. The allegations did not involve children in any way.”
The wording of the letter indicates that there were multiple employees involved.
“As soon as allegations of workplace sexual harassment were received, the board hired experienced legal counsel as well as a neutral third-party investigator to conduct a full and fair investigation,” said Mork in an email. “At the completion of the investigation, the board received a report and made its decision. Because this is a private, personnel matter, and we wish to protect the privacy of those involved, we are unable to comment further.”
The Dec. 28 letter also discusses steps the school has taken to adjust its training and management in the wake of the allegations.
“We will not wait, however, to make necessary change,” states the letter. “The board will be working with Sandi to ensure that the school is and remains a great place to work for our employees. Ensuring that the school has a workplace environment that is professional, cordial and free from inappropriate conduct, is an immediate priority. To that end, the school will be investing in additional anti-discrimination and harassment training, reviewing its reporting policies and procedures, and taking additional steps to make sure those who wish to come forward with concerns do so without fear of retaliation.”
The board plans to hire a new head of school to start on July 1. A search firm had already been engaged to find a new Head of School prior to the revelations about Egan, and they continued their work following his termination.
“The school takes matters of harassment seriously, and fairly responds to such circumstances consistent with its policies and values. Because this is a private, personnel matter, and we wish to protect the privacy of those involved, we are unable to comment further,” the board said in a statement. “We are excited and lucky to have Sandi Passalacqua back to lead the school as we reinvigorate the school’s training, policies and procedures, and continue our search for a new Head of School.”
