Charlotte Country Day, CMPD won’t explain discrepancy over fired coach
Last week’s arrest of a Charlotte Country Day coach and substitute teacher left an unanswered question: Did the school know of any previous alleged misconduct?
The school issued a statement last week saying it did not, but a Charlotte police report contradicted that.
When asked for clarity, neither CMPD nor school officials would provide any details to explain.
David Mancos, the private school’s interim head, did not respond to emails or a phone call requesting an interview for this story. Shannon Drosky, the school’s director of marketing and communications, declined to comment, citing the ongoing law enforcement investigation.
CMPD Public Affairs Manager Evan White also declined to comment.
CCDS coach allegations
CMPD on Nov. 13 announced the arrest of Matthew Philip Elliott, 39, who had been a cross country coach and substitute teacher. He was charged with two felony counts of indecent liberties with a student.
A CMPD press release said a former student went to the police on Nov. 8 alleging Elliott flirted with her and “made numerous advances” while she was a student at the school, and that they had been in an inappropriate relationship.
Court records list Elliott’s address as being on Columbine Circle, close to the school.
A woman answered the door at that residence on Tuesday morning and said he wasn’t home, but said she would pass on a request for comment from The Charlotte Observer.
Conflicting information
A statement from Mancos on Thursday said the school was cooperating with law enforcement. “We have not received other reports of misconduct about Mr. Elliott from other alums or current students,” the statement said.
But a police affidavit filed in court seemingly contradicted that: “The school also confirmed that it was reported to them in 2023 that the suspect was having an inappropriate relationship with a different student,” the affidavit said.
In a second statement on Thursday, Mancos said: “I want to reaffirm the accuracy of my letter from this morning and let you know that prior to this circumstance, Country Day was not aware of any evidence or allegations that Mr. Elliott was involved in any sexual conduct with any student at the school.”
The statement added:
“Please understand that news articles may lack nuance and full context. With the ongoing police investigation and privacy concerns, full details cannot be shared.”
Do you have information about whether Charlotte Country Day School had prior information? Contact Charlotte Observer reporter Jeff A. Chamer at jchamer@charlotteobserver.com.
This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 8:30 AM.
