David Russell’s teaching credential suspended

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education has suspended David Russell’s New Hampshire teaching credential and all associated endorsements. This action, formally taken on Dec. 17, 2021, was pursuant to NHDOE’s administrative rules that allow for an immediate suspension of an educator’s New Hampshire teaching credential if the individual was arrested for an offense enumerated in RSA 189:13-a, V, which would prohibit a person from being employed in any SAU, school district, chartered public school or public academy.  

In regards to Mr. Russell’s past employment history, the Code of Conduct for New Hampshire Educators requires that all credential holders report any suspected violation of the Code of Conduct, including inappropriate action of a sexual nature with children, to NHDOE. If there were individuals who failed to report, the Department can, and will, take appropriate action upon their individual teaching credential.   

A new law was passed last year, which became effective on Jan. 1, that now requires NHDOE to complete a criminal history records check on all new, first-time teacher applicants. The Department’s review of the individual’s criminal history will focus on the offenses listed in RSA 189:13-a, V. School districts will still be required to conduct another criminal history records check upon employment of an individual within that district.   

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