by BAY SHORE, N.Y. — A Long Island community has been left reeling after a well-known and widely liked Bay Shore High School art teacher was placed on administrative leave amid disturbing allegations that he exchanged sexually explicit text messages with an underage student, multiple sources confirmed.
Teacher Removed Amid Sexting Allegations
According to officials and sources familiar with the case, John Kennedy, 48, was removed from the classroom last week after the Bay Shore School District was alerted to alleged messages between him and a female student. The texts reportedly contained explicit, sexual language, prompting an immediate criminal investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department.
District Superintendent Steven Maloney confirmed in a public statement that the staff member was promptly placed on leave once the allegations surfaced.
“When made aware, the District took immediate action, placing the staff member on administrative leave and barring the individual from District property,” Maloney said. “The Suffolk County Police Department was immediately notified, and we continue to fully cooperate with their ongoing investigation.”
Investigation Underway
While the district and police have not officially released Kennedy’s name, multiple sources confirmed he is the teacher at the center of the probe. Police have stated only that there is an “active investigation” into a Bay Shore High School teacher but declined to elaborate further.
According to one source close to the investigation, the alleged communications between Kennedy and the student date back to the summer, when the pair reportedly began developing an inappropriate relationship. Another source described the messages as “disgusting” and “deeply troubling.”
The student involved is believed to be a senior at the high school, though her identity remains protected due to her age.
Shock and Disbelief Among Students and Staff
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Bay Shore community, where Kennedy had long been regarded as a popular and respected educator. Several students described him as “one of the best teachers” in the art department, known for his creativity, humor, and ability to connect with teens.
“It’s sad — everyone liked him, especially the kids,” said one fellow teacher, who confirmed that Kennedy was the person placed on leave. “He was beloved.”
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A current student in Kennedy’s art class told reporters he was struggling to process the news.
“He was a great teacher, but now I’m looking at him very differently,” said the 11th-grade student, who asked to remain anonymous.
A Troubled Pattern in Bay Shore
This incident marks the third high-profile sexual misconduct case involving Bay Shore educators in recent years, raising serious concerns about oversight and reporting within the district.
In November 2024, the district was ordered to pay $25 million in damages tied to a decades-old abuse case involving retired third-grade teacher Thomas Bernagozzi, accused of molesting students across several elementary schools from the 1970s to early 2000s. More than 50 former students have since come forward, alleging the district ignored repeated warning signs.
Additionally, in 2017, Marcus Johnson, a teacher’s assistant at the high school, was charged with raping a 15-year-old student.
The current allegations against Kennedy also come just weeks after another Long Island educator, Mark Verity, from the Shoreham-Wading River School District, was arrested in an online sting after allegedly sexting with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl.
District Response and Community Reaction
The Bay Shore School District has reiterated that it is taking the matter “extremely seriously.” Superintendent Maloney emphasized that Kennedy will remain off school grounds until the investigation concludes and any legal proceedings are resolved.
The Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is leading the probe and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, parents and students have expressed anger and disbelief on social media, questioning how such incidents continue to occur despite previous scandals.
“Our kids deserve better safeguards,” wrote one Bay Shore parent on Facebook. “The district needs to do more than just react — it needs to prevent.”
What’s Next
As of Monday, Kennedy could not be reached for comment, and a phone number listed under his name was no longer in service. He has not been charged as of yet, but authorities have confirmed that the case remains active and ongoing.
Community members are now calling for greater transparency, stronger background checks, and stricter policies to protect students from potential misconduct in the future.
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