Mark Pierotti, the former head of school for Aspengrove School near the city's north end was fired after the school learned of what it called "incredibly troubling" online activity alleged to be from Pierotti. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

'INCREDIBLY TROUBLING'

Head of Lantzville school terminated after alleged ‘inappropriate online activity’

Aug 30, 2022 | 2:12 PM

NANAIMO — The head of a prestigious independent school near the city’s north end has been fired.

Mark Pierotti was terminated shortly after Aspengrove School staff and its board of governors learned of what it called “incredibly troubling” online activity allegedly involving Pierotti and a person “claiming to be a minor.”

A letter to the school community from Iain McIver, chair of the school’s board of governors, on Monday, Aug. 29 said the school learned of the posts on Friday, Aug. 26 and took immediate action.

“We take issues related to violence, sexual abuse, online exploitation and/or harassment incredibly seriously,” the letter read. “To be clear, we are not aware of any allegations of inappropriate activity against Mr. Pierotti involving students or staff.”

Questions from NanaimoNewsNOW to McIver and legal counsel for Aspengrove School regarding how they became aware of the alleged activity were not answered.

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A spokesperson for Nanaimo RCMP could not confirm or deny whether an investigation was underway, however, McIver’s letter said the alleged incidents were reported to police.

The school is also retaining a third-party firm to conduct its own investigation into Pierotti’s conduct while employed at Aspengrove.

Mental health care and counselling will be available to students who need it once the school year resumes next week.

McIver said in the letter they will provide more details to the school community over the coming days.

“There is no ongoing concern for the safety or security of Aspengrove students or staff,” McIver said.

Jo-Anne Kingstone, a former Head of School at Aspengrove, has taken the position on an interim basis until a more permanent hiring can take place.

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