Concord Elementary School Principal To Return To Work Later This Week: Follow-Up

CONCORD, NH — The principal of the Abbot-Downing Elementary School is expected to return to work later this week, according to School Superintendent Tim Herbert.

Anthony Blinn, who has been out on leave since late September, will be returning to work on Thursday after the SAU 8 Concord School District “conducted an investigation into allegations related to reporting requirements concerning student restraints and seclusions,” according to a letter to parents and school community members. Herbert said Blinn “cooperated fully with the investigation” and the allegations “were unfounded.”

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Herbert said Blinn’s leave and the investigation had raised questions in the school community. At the same time, he said, personnel matters required confidentiality. This confidentiality limits what officials can share with the public and the press.

“I am unable to provide additional details regarding the investigation, other than what I have stated above,” Herbert said. “However, we do take allegations of this nature seriously and will be reviewing and monitoring our processes to assure compliance with all reporting requirements.”

Blinn was hired by the district in 2018, after serving as principal at the Allenstown Elementary School, according to a report in the Concord Monitor. He was the sole finalist out of 24 applicants, the report said. Blinn worked in Allenstown for 14 years, including four as principal and a decade as special education director.

Herbert said the district would continue to support Abbot-Downing students, staff, and families through the transition, and he thanked the community for its patience, understanding, and continued support.

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