A special investigation conducted by Friends Select School and outside counsel confirmed that former P.E. teacher Ken Bailey committed multiple acts of sexual misconduct during his time as a faculty member, according to an email sent by Head of School Michael Gary to families on Wednesday, February 10th.

Dee Spagnuolo, a partner and sexual abuse expert at Ballar Spahr LLP in Philadelphia, led the investigation. Spagnuolo interviewed thirty alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators who were members of the Friends Select community at various points over the last fifty years. 

In these interviews, seven alumni reported personal knowledge of Bailey’s abuse. Further investigation found these reports to be “credible.”

Although the school is not aware of any acts of misconduct occurring in the last thirty years, Friends Select was alerted of previous abuse in the early 2000s. These allegations were not substantiated, but Bailey retired following the investigation. He continued to serve as a coach for some years following his retirement.

The lobby at the Race Street entrance, formerly known as Bailey Circle, is now nameless. The school did not outline any plans to rename the lobby.

In his email, Michael reaffirmed Friends Select’s commitment to student safety, health, and well-being. “Going forward, the school will reinforce guidelines included in our handbook by training faculty and staff on how to identify and maintain healthy physical and emotional boundaries with students,” he said.