NHS Band Director Charged with Child Pornography
April 7, 2025
• Superintendent Dan Gutekanst acknowledged the arrest in a message to the school community on Friday.
Spencer Parrish, the director of bands at Needham High School, was placed on administrative leave following charges of possession of child pornography. Parrish, a Framingham resident, has worked at NHS since 2021.
Parrish’s charges follow those of High Rock teacher Michael Ciccolella, who was arrested last month and charged with child pornography possession and distribution. Gutekanst wrote that students’ safety “is the district’s top priority.”
“I recognize that this news is especially troubling coming so soon after the recent arrest and arraignment of another Needham Public Schools teacher on similar charges. We are committed to being transparent with families and staff, even if the news is unsettling,” Gutekanst wrote. “We will continue to ensure our policies, practices, and procedures related to student wellbeing and safety are carefully applied in all situations.”
School officials have not heard from law enforcement of any Needham students being harmed, Gutekanst added.
Parrish conducted four bands at NHS and taught piano and AP Music Theory, according to his faculty biography on the school’s website. He previously taught at the Horace Mann Elementary School in Newton during a mostly virtual school year.
Gutekanst will share information about both Parrish and Ciccolella’s arrests and student resources during a virtual parent/caregiver meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The district will also provide counseling services.
“In the days ahead the staff at the High School, led by Principal Aaron Sicotte, will provide additional updates and information, including how we will support our grades 9-12 students and staff as they come to learn about and process this disturbing information,” Gutekanst wrote. “Should your child, who may learn about this news, require any support or guidance upon returning to school, please let your school principal or guidance counselor know.”
The investigation is ongoing. Parrish has not yet been arrested.
