A camera’s installation led to an investigation before Wiscasset Middle High School Principal Gina Stevens was placed on leave, according to statements Wiscasset Newspaper obtained Nov. 2 from Stevens and Superintendent of Schools Kim Andersson.

Andersson confirmed and clarified some of Stevens’ details and did not comment on others. “I will not provide further details since this is a confidential personnel matter, which will ultimately be determined by the School Committee. There is a closed, executive session planned for this on November 13,” Andersson replied via email. Stevens later told Wiscasset Newspaper, “(The) meeting is not going to be an executive session! It is going to be an open session.”

Wiscasset Newspaper also asked Andersson about the investigation(s)’ legal costs. “I have not been billed yet,” she said.

On a request for comment following Andersson’s confirmation Stevens was placed on paid administrative leave, Stevens gave Wiscasset Newspaper a statement that began: “I want people to know that I have done nothing wrong. I have only done my job appropriately and in line with expected leadership responsibilities.”

Stevens said a food pantry has for a couple years been broken into and the door knob and locks replaced “multiple times. Following the damage, requests were made to have a camera installed. The installation was finally accomplished this Fall. In response to the installation, an investigation by a lawyer was requested by Ms. Andersson. She told me that she was asking for an investigation because, ‘a camera was installed and I (Andersson) wasn’t notified.’ Documentation exists to show she did know prior to Oct. 3, 2023. Following the conclusion to this investigation, I was told on a Friday evening to be in Ms. Andersson's office on Monday at 8 a.m. to discuss this investigation.

“In the course of investigating the camera installation, the lawyer took the liberty of conducting a separate investigation (involving) student behavior in a bathroom that warranted questioning. The reason this second and separate investigation is important, although distinct from the camera investigation, is that it resulted in a second meeting with Ms. Andersson where she questioned my approach to discipline.”

Stevens said memos from the lawyer had inaccuracies, including on statements Stevens said “were never said. Questioning of myself and some others were done without the presence of another adult and (people questioned) were told the questioning could not be recorded.

“I met with Ms. Andersson three times regarding the camera installation and on the third time I was dismissed.” Answering email questions Nov. 2, Andersson reiterated her Oct. 31 confirmation Stevens had been placed on paid administrative leave.

Stevens’ statement concluded: “A third party was present at each of my meetings with Ms. Andersson. During meetings Ms. Andersson was dismissive using the term, “whatever” when I tried to reply.

“I pride myself on honesty, fairness, and integrity and I wish for this matter to be discussed in an open public forum.”

After Wiscasset Newspaper sent Andersson Stevens’ statement along with the newspaper’s questions, Andersson wrote back: “As Ms. Stevens indicated in her statement, there was an investigation into a hidden camera in a classroom closet. The installation of the hidden camera was not approved by my predecessor or me. I had our legal counsel conduct the investigation given the seriousness of the situation and potential legal implications regarding the rights and safety of students and staff.”

Andersson said Stevens has the investigation results and Andersson’s letter regarding the investigation’s outcome. Wiscasset Newspaper asked Andersson if she, Andersson, could provide them. She replied: “This is a personnel issue so I do not want to address more than Ms. Stevens disclosed in her press statement. She has all the relevant documentation and could share that with you if she chose.”

Wiscasset Newspaper has asked Stevens if she is willing to provide them. As of Nov. 6, she had not; however, the night of Nov. 2, Stevens wrote the newspaper again, stating in part: “(The) meeting is not going to be an executive session! It is going to be an open session.” So the newspaper on Nov. 3 checked back with Andersson, who earlier Nov. 2 made the statement on the executive session. Andersson replied Nov. 6: “I plan to get the agenda out for Monday (Nov. 13) in the next day or two, which will answer your questions.”

Maine law on public records and proceedings, viewable at https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/1/title1sec405.html, states about executive sessions: “Any person charged or investigated may request in writing that the investigation or hearing of charges or complaints against that person be conducted in open session. A request, if made to the agency, must be honored.”