Earlier this week, we held a community forum following the arrest and arraignment of Leon Dyer. The forum provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions with representatives there from Belmont Public Schools, Belmont Police, and Belmont Wellness Coalition to provide information. Recognizing how deeply this event has affected our community, the forum also provided a space for people to express concerns, ask difficult questions, and begin making sense of a very challenging situation. We began by acknowledging that every person is experiencing this in their own way. My hope was to bring our different perspectives and experiences together in a shared space, with respect and compassion for one another. Ultimately, this is about coming together as a community so that we can support one another and move forward together.
As I have stated previously, I am approaching this with transparency to ensure the community has important information. To that end, I write to provide a brief summary of a few key points that were discussed at the forum.
Timeline
According to the official police reports filed in the District court, investigators determined that Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) was downloaded in January 2026, generating a CyberTip from Google to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The resulting Cyber Tipline Report (CTR) was received by the Massachusetts State Police on July 10, 2026, after the Attorney General’s Office obtained information through the subpoena process that allowed investigators to identify a person of interest. Upon receiving actionable investigative information, the MA State Police promptly initiated an investigation based on the CyberTip. As a result of that investigation, State Police applied for and obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Dyer, who was arrested on July 25, 2026. This timeline is important because it confirms that the district was not aware of the investigation prior to the arrest and therefore not in a position to take action before that point.
Background Checks and Past Reports
The district has a strict hiring protocol for all new employees. This includes a multi-round interview process and thorough reference checks. In addition, as required by law, the district also completes CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) which reports a record of criminal court appearances and case outcomes in Massachusetts, as well as SAFIS (Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System), which provides a national criminal background check in all states and is aligned with the FBI fingerprint database. In addition, all employees go through a CORI check renewal every three years. These background checks help identify criminal histories that work to prevent an individual from working in our schools and are one important part of our efforts to protect students.
As I noted in my previous communication, Mr. Dyer’s background checks had been cleared, most recently in November 2025. In addition to these required background checks, the district had not received reports or complaints alleging illegal conduct or behavior inconsistent with the expectations of his role. However, I am looking into any incidents in the past years that I am now receiving from community members with the seriousness that they deserve. Community members, who would like to report a past incident, may reach out to my office.
Technology
As soon as the district learned about the arrest, we disabled the teacher’s district account, immediately ending access to district email, Google Drive, and all other school systems. Our understanding is that the devices in the teacher’s possession were seized by the Massachusetts State Police. The teacher’s district-issued devices and work accounts were not identified in the complaint or publicly available information as part of the investigation. We also conducted a thorough review of the teacher’s activity within district systems and accounted for the devices to which the teacher had access. As a technology/engineering teacher and yearbook advisor, the teacher’s district accounts contained many files and photographs, most of which were created or submitted by students or provided by outside photographers. Based on the information shared by law enforcement, including that district devices and accounts are not part of the investigation, we have no evidence that these photographs are compromised or that Belmont students have been affected. We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and respond to any additional information or concerns that may arise.
Curriculum
While it is important to answer questions about the investigation, it is equally important to look ahead to how we continue supporting students and families. One of our responsibilities is to help students develop into healthy, confident, and safe individuals. From elementary through high school, we provide age-appropriate learning experiences that help students understand how to care for themselves and others, build healthy relationships, and be careful and responsible online. This is woven into our social-emotional learning, health education, Responsive Classroom practices, Second Step curriculum, and technology instruction. As students grow, they learn skills such as communicating confidently, setting healthy boundaries, recognizing unsafe situations, online safety, and knowing when and how to seek help. Above all, we want our students to know that they deserve to feel safe and that their voice matters.
Families have also asked how to talk with their children about what has happened. These conversations can be difficult, and every child may respond differently depending on their age, personality, and experiences. To support families, our website includes a collection of Community Resources for Processing Difficult Events. In addition, the Belmont Wellness Coalition has shared helpful guidance for parents and caregivers on how to have honest, age-appropriate conversations with children, answer their questions with care, and support them as they process their thoughts and feelings in healthy and constructive ways.
Starting the School Year
As we prepare to welcome students and staff back for the new school year, our priority is ensuring that students continue to feel safe, supported, and cared for by the trusted educators who are there for them every day. We are thoughtfully planning the supports that will be in place to help our school community navigate this difficult time, with particular attention to our BMHS students and faculty. School counselors and other support staff will be available to meet with students, provide opportunities to process their thoughts and emotions, and respond to individual needs. We are also arranging age-appropriate presentations on online safety and responsible digital behavior at the beginning of the school year. These presentations will reinforce the online safety skills students already learn in school while reminding them how to seek help when needed.
Trust is built over time and many members of our community are still processing what has happened. We remain committed to communicating openly, supporting our students and staff, and working together as a community. Thank you for your partnership as we begin a new school year in a few weeks.
Respectfully,
Jill Geiser, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools