From: SCH Academy News
Date: April 6, 2017
Subject: Message from Steve on historical CHA issue

Dear Alumni,
In our continuing effort to maintain transparent and open communications with our community
regarding historical concerns of improper conduct by faculty or staff at Chestnut Hill Academy or
Springside School, I write to inform you that the Philadelphia Inquirer plans to publish a story on
a former Chestnut Hill Academy teacher, William Kershaw, who taught at the school over 50
years ago (1950-1966). We have learned that the Inquirer will report that he sexually abused
several CHA boys during his time at the school; we do not know the alleged number. Kershaw
passed away in 2015. The Inquirer story may run as soon as tomorrow, but the timing is not
confirmed. Regardless, I feel it is important for you to learn about this from me and not from the
newspaper or another alum.
I also want to remind you that, as a school and a community, ensuring the safety and well-being
of all of our students is our highest priority. All of our school’s policies and procedures are in strict
compliance with Pennsylvania reporting requirements; all employees are required to undergo
background checks as well as our own self-mandated professional development training on
appropriate student-adult boundary issues.
We want our community to know that we continue to take these matters extremely seriously. If
you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 215-261-6964 or sdruggan@sch.org.
Sincerely,
Steve