February 21, 2007

MEMO TO: James A. Williams, Superintendent

FROM: Philip Rumore, President, BTF

RE: Condoning the Beating of a Teacher and Student

What will it take, short of a violent death in a school, before the Superintendent and Board stop condoning violence in our schools?

A call from an outraged parent from Performing Arts has lead me to believe that perhaps nothing short of a violent death will stop your condoning of violence in our schools.

On November 17, 2006, there was a vicious attack on a student and teacher. The teacher was taken out on a stretcher and might never return to teaching as a result of the trauma.

Students apparently staged a fight in the cafeteria, luring the security officers to the cafeteria. While the security officers were in the cafeteria, six students gathered outside the teacher’s room and then burst in, beating up the student and severely beating the teacher.

One student, who a teacher identified as the one who threw the first punch, was returned about a week ago.

Today, incredibly the Superintendent ordered the remaining five students returned to Performing Arts. Teachers advised me that all of the students have been suspended at least twice previously and four had been caught with knives in school.

Why on earth would the Superintendent send these students back to Performing Arts? What is the message to the other students?

The BTF hereby puts the District on notice that we consider the actions of the Superintendent and Board a danger to our students and staff. As such, you are now on notice for any legal actions that may commence.

By the way, upon the five students entering the cafeteria, cheers were heard from some students!

This is a disgrace. We are sure this would never happen in another school district.

We demand these students be removed and the Superintendent and Board cease and desist from condoning violence in our schools.