KAILUA-KONA — A faculty member at Hawaii Preparatory Academy is no longer employed there after having an inappropriate relationship with a student. ADVERTISING KAILUA-KONA — A faculty member at Hawaii Preparatory Academy is no longer employed there after having an
KAILUA-KONA — A faculty member at Hawaii Preparatory Academy is no longer employed there after having an inappropriate relationship with a student.
During spring break, the school learned about the relationship between Arati Clarry, then-director of alumni and student programs, and an Upper School student, according to a copy of the letter sent to families.
The school began an investigation and informed the state’s Department of Human Services, which began its own investigation.
“As a result of our investigation, Ms. Clarry is no longer employed at our school, and she is not permitted to be on our campuses,” the letter reads.
HPA Head of School Robert McKendry said Monday in a prepared statement that the employee was removed to ensure student safety.
“The safety and well-being of our students are of paramount importance to our school and we will take whatever action is necessary to continue to protect our students,” McKendry wrote.
This is the only instance of inappropriate conduct by Clarry of which the school is aware, the letter reads.
“Our school has strong child protection policies in place,” the letter reads, including background checks, reference checks and annual training.
“Counseling resources will be provided for students and others who wish to discuss how this matter has impacted them,” the letter to families reads.
No criminal investigation has been initiated, said Lt. Gilbert Gaspar of the Hawaii Police Department.
According to an article in the July 21, 2010, West Hawaii Today, Clarry was named the new advancement assistant, having come from working as a accounting administrator for a housing complex in Kailua-Kona.
Contact information could not be found for Clarry, a 1996 HPA alumna.
Email Graham Milldrum at gmilldrum@westhawaiitoday.com.
