Update: The Derby school district released the settlement agreement for William LaRovera Friday morning. The document is posted in this article.
Derby Middle School Dean of Students William LaRovera has resigned from the post, following his arrest for allegedly bringing narcotics to school.
The Derby Board of Education unanimously accepted his resignation at a special meeting Thursday, Nov. 3.
LaRovera and his attorney, Rob Serafinowicz, were not present at the meeting.
The resignation comes as part of a ​“general release agreement” that LaRovera and the school board have worked out.
Superintendent Stephen Tracy declined to elaborate on the terms of that agreement Thursday, but said the district’s attorney has indicated it might be viewable under a Freedom of Information request.
The Valley Independent Sentinel e‑mailed Tracy an FOI request for the document at 7:36 p.m. Thursday.
It was faxed to the Valley Independent Sentinel Friday afternoon.
A copy is posted below. Article continues after document.
William LaRovera Settlement Agreement
The Board of Education meeting took place mostly in executive session, which lasted about a half hour. The vote was taken in public session.
Executive session meetings are non-public meetings and are allowed in certain cases under state law, such as one a government body talks about legal strategy, a specific employee or a real estate transaction.
LaRovera’s resignation takes effect on Nov. 18. He is on unpaid leave until then.
LaRovera has been on paid administrative leave since Sept. 8, when Derby Middle School principal Sally Bonina searched his computer bag and allegedly found 66 Roxicodone pills in two plastic bags.
On Sept. 15, police charged LaRovera with narcotics possession, possession of narcotics near a school, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia near a school and failing to store narcotics in the original container.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and is scheduled to return to Superior Court in Derby on Nov. 15.
Tracy had recommended the Board of Education terminate LaRovera, and a hearing was initially scheduled for Nov. 1.
However, LaRovera decided to resign, and the hearing was cancelled, Tracy said.
Serafinowicz, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday or Thursday, said last month that he was trying to work out an agreement with the district to avoid termination.
LaRovera made $80,759 a year in the position.
Tracy said an interim Dean of Students has been in place since LaRovera went on leave. George Tanner, a former administrative aide at Derby High School, will likely remain in the position until the end of December, Tracy said.
“I’m working with the board to search for and appoint a successor,” Tracy said.
