In an unsettling turn of events, Holly Fougere, who had recently been employed as Kennebunk High School's interim theater teacher, was to swiftly begin facing charges of embezzlement. She was arrested this past Thursday in Conway, New Hampshire, after a "lengthy investigation" into allegations of forgery and redirected funds, which were originally intended for Kennett High School's arts programs.
Fougere, who had resigned from her position at Kennett High School in December, was accused of siphoning checks made payable to the high school's programs into her personal bank account. According to an announcement obtained by WMUR, these funds were supposed to support the performing arts and dance programs. Despite these charges, she managed to secure a new position at Kennebunk High School, where RSU 21 Superintendent Terri Cooper stated, “We are aware of the allegations against Mrs. Fougere. Currently, Mrs. Fougere is not under contract with RSU 21,” responding to concerns elevated by residents as quoted in a statement to the Portland Press Herald.
Police Chief Chris Mattei released a statement confirming that Fougere had been charged with theft by misapplication of property—a class B crime due to the amounts involved exceeding $1,000—and seven counts of forgery, relating to the altered checks. Residents and district educators have been airing their thoughts and concerns, with one local, Sarah Dore, expressing on social media, “This is so disappointing and concerning.” Another, Tiffany Doherty, pointed out the issue of trust students wrestle with: “How can they trust the adults put in charge when they continue to hire questionable people?” she asked rhetorically.
The recent developments have further eroded morale in a district already grappling with internal tensions. Before these allegations came to light, RSU 21 teachers were engaged in a protracted struggle to ratify a teacher contract from August to December of 2024, highlighting a broader sentiment of disconnect between the administration and its educators. Rachel McCarthy, a teacher at Sea Road School, lamented the situation back in September, stating, “Our culture right now is awful. No one wants to come work here,” as noted in her comments to the Portland Press Herald.
In response to the unsettling revelations, RSU 21 Communications Director Matthew Shinberg relayed the district's intention to recruit an alternate interim theater teacher in the coming weeks, ensuring that the topic "will be a topic of conversation" for the next board meeting. The community, still reeling from the news, awaits further updates, as Fougere is expected to be arraigned in March.
