Elite boarding school officials resign amid sexual abuse claims

WALLINGFORD, Conn. -- A prestigious Connecticut boarding school says two former headmasters have resigned as life trustees after a report that alleged teachers had sexually abused students.

A spokeswoman for Choate Rosemary Hall says Charles Dey resigned from the position Thursday. He led the Wallingford private school from 1973 to 1991. Edward Shanahan resigned Friday. He was headmaster from 1991 to 2011.

The spokeswoman says all former Choate headmasters receive the life trustee designation.

The resignations come after Choate provided a report from outside investigators this month naming a dozen former faculty members accused of sexual misconduct while at the school. Famous alumni include John F. Kennedy, Michael Douglas and Ivanka Trump.

School officials and the report said Choate officials didn't notify police, state child welfare officials or other schools of the allegations.

CBS affiliate WFSB-TV reports that the school apologized to the community earlier this month.

"The conduct of these adults violated the foundation of our community: the sacred trust between students and the adults charged with their care. We honor and thank the survivors of sexual misconduct who came forward," the statement read.

"We hope that through this report, our community can address the issue of adult sexual misconduct in a frank and direct manner. Throughout this self-examination, our goal has been to come together as a community to provide validation and support to those who suffered from abuse, to learn from the past, and to live up to the core standards outlined in Choate's Statement of Expectations."