GLOCESTER – Officials with the Foster-Glocester School District say the investigation of former Ponaganset High School gym teacher Alisha Crins and her relationship with a student remains ongoing, and that the Rhode Island State Police visited the building just this week to conduct interviews with faculty members.
Crins, who resigned in October, was recently indicted on felony sexual assault charges in response to a state police complaint filed by the student, who graduated in 2025.
According to the affidavit, the 39-year-old teacher, who was married at the time, groomed the victim, first with compliments, then by sending inappropriate texts and photos, eventually kissing the student and later straddling him in the backseat of his vehicle. She was charged with two counts of third degree sexual assault in an indictment filed Friday, Feb. 27.
A note to parents from the district this week sent by Supt. Renee Palazzo says school leaders first became aware of the allegations in early October. It states that as Palazzo was preparing for an internal review the matter, she was contacted by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office and told that the state police investigation would take precedence.
“Since that time, the district has been cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation,” the letter states. “Because of the active law enforcement investigation, the superintendent has been limited in what information can be shared publicly.”
“We recognize that situations such as this can be deeply concerning for students, families, staff and the broader community,” noted the communication, sent on Wednesday, March 11. “While we understand the desire for more information, it is important that the investigative process be adhered to.”
The statement followed a tense meeting Tuesday night at which the superintendent reportedly refused to answer questions on the matter.
The statement notes that despite the recent indictment, the investigation remains active, and that state police visited the school to conduct interviews with staff on Monday, March 9.
“The district will continue to cooperate fully with both the Attorney General’s office and the state police as their work continues,” it states.
Editor’s note: A original version of the above stated the student graduated in 2024, but has been corrected. We apologize for the error.
The town of Glocester does not have a Town Manager so i not sure that Mark knows much about Glocester. However he does sound like a good Democrat .
After watching a TV interview with the Town Manager and a school board member, I agree with them, somebody is covering something up. How very Trumpish…good thing Glocester officials can’t start a war to divert attention