Parents in the Penfield Central School District are expressing growing frustration after a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night concluded unexpectedly. The abrupt ending prevented many from questioning district officials about a recent online threat investigation and a noticeable increase in security personnel on school grounds.
The incident has heightened calls for greater transparency from both parents and the local teachers' union, as the community seeks more information about the safety measures being implemented in their schools.
Key Takeaways
- A Penfield school board meeting ended abruptly, leaving parents unable to ask questions about school safety.
- Parents are concerned about a recent online threat and a subsequent increase in police and private security at schools.
- The school district stated that safety is its top priority and that communication with families has been consistent.
- The Penfield Education Association, representing teachers, has also formally requested more transparency from the district.
Abrupt End to Board Meeting Sparks Concern
Tensions rose during the Penfield Central School District's board meeting this week when the session was brought to a sudden close. Several parents had attended with the intention of addressing the board during the public comment period but were left without an opportunity to speak.
The primary topic of concern for many was the district's handling of a potential online threat that surfaced last month. Parents have been seeking more detailed information about the investigation and the district's response.
Rebecca Delany Johnson, a parent in the district, described the situation as deeply frustrating. She emphasized the need for immediate and clear communication from the district whenever a potential threat emerges.
"Unfortunately, there was such a delay between the most recent threat and the communications," Johnson stated, adding that the information provided felt insufficient.
She expressed disappointment that the meeting did not address what she considers the most urgent issue facing the community. "So, very frustrating that we're having a board meeting and we're not talking about the most relevant, scary, timely, most urgent topic," she said.
Background on the Incident
The current concerns stem from an alleged social media threat that was reported in the district last month. In response, the district increased its security presence, a move that prompted questions from the community about the nature of the threat and the necessity of the enhanced measures.
Questions Mount Over Increased Security Presence
Beyond the communication delays, parents are questioning the visible increase in law enforcement and private security on school campuses. Amber Henderson, who has three children in the district, noted the significant security presence when dropping her daughter off at school.
"When you pulled in, there's two cop cars right there, one hidden in the back at each school," Henderson recalled. She and other parents have observed patrol cars and personnel from Blackhawk, a private security firm, at various schools.
This heightened security has led to speculation and concern among families about whether there are ongoing threats that the district has not disclosed to the public.
"What more threats are out there you're not telling us?" Henderson asked. "What do you know that we're not knowing?"
Even parents who did not attend the board meeting share similar sentiments. According to Henderson, the consensus among parents is one of uncertainty and dissatisfaction. "No one was happy," she remarked. "It's a lot of 'up in the air' questions, and everyone's still asking the same ones."
District Security Enhancements
In recent communications, the Penfield Central School District confirmed it is actively hiring additional security staff. The goal is to provide dedicated coverage at each of its elementary schools, supplementing the existing security measures.
District Cites Safety Protocols and Communication Efforts
In response to the community's frustration, the Penfield Central School District issued a formal statement. The district acknowledged the disappointment of families who were unable to speak at the meeting but reiterated that student safety remains its highest priority.
"We understand the frustration felt by families who were disappointed they did not have the opportunity to speak during the recent Board of Education meeting," the statement read. "Safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to provide timely information to families through our communication platforms, which has been done consistently since September 18."
The district defended its communication strategy, stating it has "intentionally led this process with transparency." As part of this effort, officials noted that a comprehensive "Safety and Security FAQ" document was shared with families last week.
Rules for Public Comment
The district also explained that the public comment portion of its meetings is governed by an established bylaw designed to maintain a safe and respectful environment. According to the district, this bylaw includes several key rules:
- Participants must conduct themselves respectfully.
- Disruptive behavior may lead to removal from the meeting.
- Discussion of specific personnel or students is prohibited.
- The Board President has the authority to enforce these rules.
The statement noted that a disruption during Tuesday's meeting required students to be removed from the room, underscoring the need for these protocols. The district affirmed its commitment to open communication and engagement with families who contact the administration directly.
Teachers Union Echoes Calls for Transparency
The concerns are not limited to parents. The Penfield Education Association (PEA), which represents the district's educators, has also formally requested more information from the school board.
Bob Young, president of the PEA, sent a letter to the board asking for greater transparency on safety and security matters. This move indicates that the desire for clearer communication is shared by staff who are on the front lines in the schools every day.
As the district moves forward with hiring more security personnel and managing community relations, both parents and teachers will be watching closely for more detailed updates on the safety protocols designed to protect Penfield students.
