CONCORD — David L. Russell, a former Nashua teacher the district dismissed after he was accused of touching young female students and giving them massages, and former Nashua resident and teacher Russell Shalek, convicted of indecent exposure and lewdness in June, are among the nine New Hampshire educators whose teaching credentials have been either suspended or revoked by the state Department of Education.

Russell, 63, of Bedford, taught in Nashua before moving on to a North Andover, Massachusetts position then a Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow.

Shalek, 30, most recent address of 125 Palm St., Nashua, was indicted in late 2018 on eight counts of indecent exposure/lewdness following his arrest by Nashua police earlier that year.

He was accused of exposing his genitals and masturbating while a child under age 16 was present. He was ultimately convicted on two of the counts.

The DOE on Tuesday released the list of the nine educators who lost their credentials in 2021.

The actions were taken against the educators pursuant to new legislation that requires the DOE to complete a criminal history records check on all new, first-time teacher applicants. The legislation was adopted during the 2021 session and went into effect on Jan. 1.

Also on the list is embattled former Concord superintendent of schools Terri Forsten, who previously held the same post in the Laconia school district.

Summaries on actions taken against the nine educators follow.

* David Russell: Beginning educator license and statement of eligibility suspended, effective Dec. 17, pursuant to his arrest for an offense listed under the legislation.

* Russell Shalek: Beginning educator license surrendered, and therefore revoked, pursuant to agreement with DOE; based on conviction on two counts of indecent exposure/lewdness on June 30.

* Terri Forsten: Superintendent and principal endorsements voluntary surrendered, resulting in their revocation. Special education teacher and elementary education endorsements voluntarily sufferended, resulting in their suspension. Effective Nov. 5, 2019 through Nov. 5, 2024. Actions taken followed DOE investigation.

* Jonathan Verge, drama teacher, Lebanon School District: Statement of eligibility surrendered, therefore revoked, pursuant to agreement with DOE; revocation based on alleged inappropriate contact and communications with students. No arrests or convictions were recorded.

* Thomas Bonello, art teacher, ties to Farmington, Barrington, Dover schools and Portsmouth Christian Academy: Experienced educator credential suspended pursuant to agreement with DOE. Suspension precipitated by allegations of unprofessional conduct toward students. Allegations did not rise to criminal charges.

* Joshua Harwood, ties to Southern N.H. Unviersity, Concord High School: Statement of eligibility (multiple endorsements) and beginning educator license suspended immediately pursuant to arrest by police in February for offenses that would prohibit his employment in any N.H. public or private or charter school. Revocation/suspension/surrender of credentials as of Dec. 20.

* Sherry Jepson: Experienced educator licenses suspended pursuant to agreement with DOE; suspension based on allegations of inappropriate and unprofessional communications with students.

* Mirjana Karic, School District of Haverhill, special education: Statement of eligibility, general special education, experienced educator credentials suspended pursuant to agreement with DOE; suspension based on violation of code of conduct involving failure to report violation of law. No students harmed by violations.

* Andrew M. Merdinyan: Experienced educator license surrendered, therefore revoked, pursuant to DOE agreement; based on conviction of simple assault charge in violation of educators’ code of conduct.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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