SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — The Smithfield School Committee said it accepted the resignation of Smithfield Public Schools Superintendent Dawn Bartz on Monday as the school system continues an investigation into an alleged anti-Semitic hazing incident. “The Committee reviewed our legal counsel’ s assessment of the Superintendent’s handling of an incident concerning allegations of student hazing and harassment. It is clear that this matter was mishandled in several respects including student discipline determinations and misinformation provided to the public,” Smithfield School Committee chairperson Richard Iannitelli said. “Accordingly, the School Committee formally accepted Superintendent Bartz’s resignation. This resignation is effectively immediately.” Bartz had been placed on administrative leave in November as the district investigated an alleged hazing incident involving school football team players and a Jewish student. The players were later reinstated. Bartz resigned as superintendent on Dec. 12. Iannitelli’s full statement can be read below: “The Committee reviewed our legal counsel’s assessment of the Superintendent’s handling of an incident concerning allegations of student hazing and harassment. It is clear that this matter was mishandled in several respects including student discipline determinations and misinformation provided to the public. Accordingly, the School Committee formally accepted Superintendent Bartz’s resignation. This resignation is effectively immediately. The following statement is issued in the interest of full transparency and to provide the students and families of Smithfield Public Schools with a path forward. We relied on our legal counsel to conduct a review of actions taken and provide us with legal advice on this matter for several reasons.  The Rhode Island Attorney General’s office announced that it is conducting an independent investigation. We look forward to receiving their findings.  Neither the Committee nor its attorney were meaningfully involved in any aspect of this matter and, we trust our attorney’s advice, conclusions, and recommendations. There has been much public discussion regarding the facts of a recent student incident. It is also public knowledge that a complaint was filed with the Rhode Island Department of Education which makes certain factual allegations. Different parties will likely dispute the accuracy of many of the allegations in that document. I can say that information provided to us does not conclusively reveal whether antisemitic statements were made or not. The matter can be summed up quite simply as there being two sides to the story. Regardless of the truth, none of this diminishes the hurt experienced by any targeted student. The administration’s job is to take steps to protect all students from any form of intimidation, threats, bullying or hazing. And as recently stated by our Commissioner of Education, there is no place in public schools or in our society for antisemitic statements or behaviors. The Smithfield School Committee and this department does not and will not tolerate hate in any form, including, antisemitism. Nor will we tolerate intimidation, threats, bullying, or hazing. Full Stop. Some in the community may wish to know precisely what occurred between students and how decisions impacting students’ discipline were made. Federal and state law require that student matters remain confidential. The Committee will continue to protect and maintain the confidentiality of all of our students. The failure to follow the discipline process and rushed public communications led to confusion and acrimony throughout this community, this includes the release of an October 10, 2025, letter to football families. That letter should not have been released as written. The school committee will work to review and change those processes to ensure that students and administrators are held accountable for their actions. The School Committee has already started to review all student, employee, and coach handbooks and practices to ensure that these core beliefs are implemented and enforced department wide. Our interim superintendent will help us in this process. The School Committee will continue to move forward to improve the educational experience of all who attend Smithfield Public Schools. We thank all of the Smithfield Public Schools teachers and administrators committed to that goal.” Categories: News, Rhode Island ...read more read less