Contra Costa School Administrator Arrested for Alleged Sexual Misconduct With Minor Student
Concord, CA — A school administrator at the Contra Costa School of the Performing Arts was arrested on Wednesday, sparking outrage and concern among parents and the broader school community. Gerard Flaherty, who served as the school’s climate and culture supervisor, is facing serious allegations of engaging in sexual conduct with an underage student.
According to law enforcement, Flaherty was taken into custody following an investigation that was launched after the school received a complaint from a concerned parent. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Flaherty is accused of maintaining an inappropriate and illegal relationship with a minor student, a grave breach of trust that has stunned educators and families alike.
Upon learning of the arrest, the school administration promptly placed Flaherty on administrative leave. In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, the school said, “We are deeply troubled by the allegations involving Mr. Flaherty. The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement in this ongoing investigation.”
The school has not released additional details about the nature of the relationship or the age of the student involved, citing privacy laws and the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, the statement assured families that appropriate support systems, including counseling services, have been made available to students and staff.
Flaherty had worked at the school for several years and was a well-known figure on campus. His role as climate and culture supervisor involved overseeing the school environment, mentoring students, and contributing to disciplinary processes. Parents and students are now grappling with the shocking reality that someone entrusted with maintaining a safe and nurturing educational environment may have betrayed that trust.
The Contra Costa School of the Performing Arts, a charter school that emphasizes arts education alongside academic rigor, has faced scrutiny in recent years over its administrative decisions. This latest incident has renewed calls for greater oversight and accountability within the school’s leadership.
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation and are encouraging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. “We are committed to a thorough and impartial investigation,” said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. “We urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behavior or has knowledge about the case to contact our department.”
Flaherty remains in custody pending formal charges. The District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the evidence and determine the scope of criminal charges in the coming days.
In the meantime, the school has scheduled a special board meeting to address the incident and discuss measures to ensure student safety moving forward. Parents and community members are expected to attend in large numbers, seeking answers and reassurance.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains shaken, with many questioning how such behavior could occur undetected and what steps must be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.