Branford's Superintendent of Schools has issued a statement addressing bullying concerns at Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) raised by parents during the May 18 Board of Education (BOE) meeting.

On May 18, the BOE heard emotional requests for help from parents speaking on behalf of children allegedly bullied by another student.

Although BOE chairman Michael Krause noted student's names cannot be used in such matters, the parents at the meeting concurred that their children had been bullied by a male seventh-grader attending WIS via an urban/suburban exchange described at the meeting as "Project Choice" but defined by state legislation as "Open Choice."

In Branford, the program is enacted through the Area Cooperative Educational Service (ACES). According to ACES (www.aces.org) "Open Choice was established through state legislation for suburban students to attend schools in New Haven and for New Haven students to attend schools in the suburbs, with the goal to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation and to increase academic achievement." ACES collects data on available seats in our area, manages the application and selection process, manages the transportation of those selected students, and works to support the students, families, teachers and administrators who participate in the program."

On May 18, several parents came forward to describe physical abuse and verbal threats to which their children had been subjected in recent weeks. The last student to be allegedly bullied was involved in a situation that a parent said took place at WIS on May 9.

Parents were overwhelmingly concerned that the actions being taken by the administration, central office and BOE have not been enough.  One parent said, after her child was physically attacked and verbally threatened, she only learned of it after another parent had called; because that parent's daughter had been upset by the incident.

After meeting with WIS school principal Robin Goeler, the parent said she learned, "...this child was a frequent offender who slapped a girl in the face, beat up two other children, grabbed my son and friend by the neck and made several verbal threats to others."

She said the school's response, that a plan was in place to keep students safe, was not enough.

"How is that specific? What does that mean, in reference to keeping my child safe?" she asked.

Another mom, who also said she works at the WIS building, told the BOE her son was physically attacked and verbally abused by the "repeat offender."

"My son (was) smacked in head... slammed in the lockers," she said. "Suspend this child. I work at the school; my son is at school. We go every day in fear something is going to happen. You're not doing anything. You're not following your correct procedures."

Another parent said that although the student who is perpetrating the acts now is in a one-on-one situation with a teacher/aide and no classroom interactions; that is not enough to keep the other students safe.  She said her son, who was bullied, was again threatened with vulgar language after the administration took action; and that the alleged bully was also among the general student population "...20 minutes later, walking alone."

"The administration is constantly telling me (they) make sure he's not in a group setting, he's not in locker bays, he's not in group areas, he's always with a teacher (or) and aide..the teacher is ineffective (and) the aide is useless," she said.

Saying the school district and the BOE does "take these concerns to heart," Krause responded May 18 by assuring parents, "....the superintendent is in the process of still investigating  this situation that occurred and has requested to meet with a couple of the parents. A full investigation will be done and the superintendent and the administration will make sure that all children are safe."

Hernandez further noted bullying incidents require investigation by law and the procedures are being followed.

Parents pressed for a timeline on when Hernandez would complete his oversight of the ongoing investigation.

"I will not engage in a dialogue or discussion about a time line in a public forum," Hernandez told them.

In a follow up to the May 18 meeting, Hernandez issued the following statement this morning, "Branford Public Schools (BPS) is committed to ensuring each school maintains a safe environment for all students. The District strongly condemns inappropriate behavior toward any student, including bullying, violence and racial attacks. All claims of misconduct or prohibited behavior are investigated and addressed in a timely, thorough and judicious manner by the administration. If warranted, disciplinary action is taken by the District. Information regarding discipline imposed by the District is protected under the Family Education and Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) and can only be shared with the parent/guardian of the child who is the subject of the disciplinary action. While we cannot comment regarding actions taken concerning any specific student, the Branford Public Schools can assure the community that the situation at Branford Intermediate School that has recently been the subject of public comments has been reviewed carefully and thoroughly by the administration. We encourage all students to demonstrate appropriate behavior and to be respectful toward each other and to celebrate the diversity of our schools."