On Saturday, October 30, 2021 it was reported to Otter Valley and Mill River school officials that there were allegations of racial slurs being used by athletes during a playoff football game. Athletes reported escalating “trash talk” during the game, and the allegations of racial slurs were brought to school leaders’ attention after the game was completed. 

The Vermont Principals’ Association’s Third Party Investigative resources will be utilized immediately and an investigation will commence as quickly as possible to determine if there were any violations of school district Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying policies. 

Both schools intend to cooperate with and fully support the investigative process in order to protect all students and student athletes. Ultimately, leaders from Otter Valley and Mill River will be working together to process and address the incident through restorative practices in an effort to bring the matter to a satisfactory resolution.

Jeanne Collins, Superintendent RNESU

Jim Avery, Principal OVU

Steven Keith, AD OVU


David Younce, Superintendent MRUUSD

Tyler Weideman, Principal MRU

Kim Maniery, AD MRU