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Newport Today
By the People, for the People
Rogers High School Principal Placed on Leave After Assault Investigation
Independent probe found principal failed to properly address bullying incident
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The Newport School Committee has placed Rogers High School Principal Jared Vance on administrative leave for the remainder of the school year, effective immediately. The move comes after an independent investigation found Vance failed to properly address an assault and bullying incident against a student with special needs in November.
Why it matters
The incident has sparked outrage in the community and raised concerns about the school's handling of bullying and student safety. The principal's leave raises questions about accountability and the school district's response to the troubling events.
The details
Videos surfaced on social media showing a student with special needs being repeatedly struck by another student in a school locker room prior to a football game in November. Four students have been arrested in connection with the case. The independent investigation, conducted by former Rhode Island State Police Col. Steven O'Donnell, found that Principal Vance failed to properly address the incident.
- On Feb. 2, the Newport School Committee received the findings of the independent investigation.
- On Feb. 11, the School Committee announced Vance's administrative leave, effective immediately for the remainder of the school year.
The players
Jared Vance
The principal of Rogers High School since 2017 who has been placed on administrative leave.
Newport School Committee
The governing body of the Newport school district that announced Vance's administrative leave.
Steven O'Donnell
A former Rhode Island State Police colonel who conducted the independent investigation into the assault and bullying incident.
What’s next
The School Committee will likely continue its investigation and determine next steps regarding the principal's future and any additional disciplinary actions for the students involved.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the critical need for schools to have robust anti-bullying policies and procedures in place, as well as strong leadership to ensure student safety and accountability. The community will be watching closely to see how the school district responds to restore trust and ensure such incidents do not happen again.
