Durkin Sought Harassment Prevention Order Against Oliveira
NEW BEDFORD - New Bedford Schools Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin says she will not seek to impose further legal restraints on a School Committee member-elect.
In a written statement, Dr. Durkin says after two incidents involving newly elected School Committee member John Oliveira, she was advised "to pursue further action" to ensure her safety.
Durkin says she did take out a harassment prevention order against Oliveira in Bristol County Superior Court on Monday, but reversed her decision on Tuesday.
Durkin says a harassment prevention order against Oliveira would not have been "in the best interest of the District at this time," and it would "create a distraction to the work."
The order would have forced Oliveira to stay at least 100 yards away from Dr. Durkin and cease all harassment.
However, a no-trespass order, keeping Oliveira off of all New Bedford Public Schools property, is still in effect after two incidents last week involving outbursts by Oliveira in Dr. Durkin's office.