Update (09/18/16):
Superintendent Mary DeLai emailed the following announcement to the Wilmington High School community on Sunday regarding physical education teacher Anthony Altieri, who was arrested last week on domestic assault charges:
“We write to you this afternoon to inform you that Mr. Altieri will be returning from leave on Monday. The decision to permit his return to the classroom is based on his tenure and record of performance here at Wilmington High School. As indicated in prior communication, we hope that people respect that he is owed his day in court and his right to privacy. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Peters or myself.”
Altieri had been on paid administrative leave since last Wednesday.
On Sunday night, as the news broke, many past and present WHS students turned to social media to express outrage over the decision to allow Altieri back in the classroom.
Wilmington Apple identified at least 30 Twitter users expressing disappointment and/or anger. Below is a small sampling:
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Original Story (09/14/16):
ESSEX, MA – Wilmington High School physical education teacher Anthony J. Altieri was arrested on Sunday morning at his Essex home on charges of domestic assault and battery on an intimate partner, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and destruction of personal property.
According to the Gloucester Times (Phys ed teacher arrested for domestic assault by Sean Horgan), the female victim told the police that a verbal dispute turned physical, ending with Altieri grabbing the alleged victim by the back of her head and smashing her face into a door frame.
The officer, who interviewed the alleged victim at the hospital, noted her nose appeared to be extremely swollen and possibly broken, with an open wound on the bridge. The officer also observed a large, open laceration on her forehand.
The Gloucester Times, citing police documents, reported that Altieri admitted to police he struck the alleged victim. Altieri claimed, however, she slapped him before he stuck her.
Altieri was released from jail on Monday after posting $1,000 bail.
When asked about Altieri, Wilmington Superintendent of Schools Mary DeLai issued the following statement to Wilmington Apple:
“[On Tuesday], the Wilmington Public Schools was made aware of allegations surrounding one of our staff members as a result of events that occurred at his home over the weekend.
The staff member, Mr. Anthony Altieri, is a thirteen-year veteran of the Wilmington Public Schools, teaches physical education at Wilmington High School and was a baseball coach for many years in the school district. Mr. Altieri is a well-respected educator with a solid record of performance at Wilmington High School.
At this time, we intend to respect the legal process, being mindful of his due process rights and his right to his day in court. Mr. Altieri has been placed on paid administrative leave so that the school district can explore the issues and allow everyone to prepare to move forward. We wish all parties in this matter well and hope that they are able to heal from this unfortunate incident, and we respect his right to deal with this matter privately.”
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Wilmington Apple 
Nice to see the news outlets looking into this
Innocent until proven keep quiet until you know
Innocent until proven, know enough to give a guy a break women are not always innocent
This is very disturbing.. Firstly he admitted to striking her, he clearly has violent tendencies and is charged with a felony! Is WPS prepared to deal with some very angry parents for allowing him back into the school? I would not allow my children in his presents. This is a bad influence and example for the students. I’m really disappointed that they have allowed him back so soon and why? Because he’s been an employee for 13 years??? So let’s subject our children to this violence? Makes no sense. I get the whole innocent till proven quilty but come on.. This woman has a broken nose and I doubt she did it to herself! He admitted striking her!!!!!!
Cited by the police making the report. Just because a police report says he admits it doesn’t mean it’s true. If that were the case, and on police surveillance, he would have no choice but to take a plea. There is a reason this is ongoing
Sorry didn’t, hear that news could be true but do you know for sure. If so he,s a whimp for
Touching any woman an she’s as violent if she slap him. Still no excuse for poor choices. Wilmington has many violent employees that probably haven,t been caught I see it a lot more than most.
Oh please! Do any of you have any idea how police reports are made out to be?! How manipulative some “witnesses” can be? Learn your facts! For all you know he could just have a crazy ex girlfriend that played victim.. As far as his career in P.E. in WHS, and as a WHS graduate myself, I and many others can reassure you he has never been of harm or threat to the community. Before passing judgement and hding grudges, wait until it is settled before spewing your words. But I” not surprised, after all – Wilmington will be Wilmington and the majority of you will all still be the same yuppy, entitled, judgemental small-minded people you were when you were born.
Someone GOT UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE CAGE TODAY. Do not say the people of this town are small-minded, entitled, judgemental people. We are a kind, giving, & caring community the acts of kindness alone have blown me away since Thanksgiving.