Arlington Public Schools is addressing “concerns and recent media reports about the presence of a registered sex offender at the Arlington Aquatic Center pools.”
In a message sent to APS families and pool users Wednesday afternoon, Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán said the school system is taking action “to prevent incidents like this from occurring again.”
It follows the arrest of Richard Kenneth Cox on a series of charges linked to incidents this fall at high school pools, which are open to the public during certain hours.
WJLA first reported Friday that Cox allegedly exposed himself in the girl’s locker room at Washington-Liberty High School after identifying himself as transgender. The charges have prompted statements from the local Republican party and a former School Board candidate.
Fox 5 reported Wednesday night that other charges were linked to incidents at Wakefield High School and the Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center.
In his message to families, Durán says the incidents “did not occur during school hours” and APS took immediate action “upon discovery that the individual was a registered sex offender.” That seemingly pushes back at WJLA’s reporting that a woman notified the pool manager and School Board about Cox a month before the October incidents that led to indecent exposure charges.
Durán’s full statement is below.
Dear APS Families and Aquatic Center Pool Patrons,
I would like to address concerns and recent media reports about the presence of a registered sex offender at the Arlington Aquatic Center pools. We take the safety and trust of our community very seriously. We are fully committed to ensuring our environments and shared spaces balance the need to welcome community members to our pools, from our youngest residents to our most senior, while also maintaining critical safety measures.
The incidents did not occur during school hours and while part of the same facility, school and pool entrances and exits are separate. Immediately upon discovery that the individual was a registered sex offender, APS personnel banned, prohibited the individual from using any of the Aquatic Centers, notified law enforcement, and the individual has since been taken into custody.
When APS staff and members of the school board were contacted about the incidents, action was taken to address community concerns. Additional signage was added in our aquatic centers and guidance was provided to patrons about facility usage.
We will continue to review and adjust our security protocols for signing in and work with our government partners across the county to prevent incidents like this from occurring again.
Our commitment to the safety of our students remains steadfast, and we will not tolerate any behavior that compromises the well-being of our community. Arlington Public Schools will continue to foster an inclusive community for all, including those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our facilities are designed to be safe, welcoming spaces where our community can come to connect, engage and focus on their health and well-being.
Dr. Francisco Durán
Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools
