LETTER: 'No Accountability' In East Haven School Security Lapses

The following is an open letter from JMMS parent Chris Kowalczik to the East Haven Board of Education and Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. 

Mr. Mayor and Members of the Board:

It is with great sadness that I find myself having to write to you for the second time within a 10 month period regarding child safety within the town’s school system. 

When I originally wrote back in December of 2012 it was regarding the lack of adequate safety procedures within the schools.  Unfortunately your office neglected to discuss my concerns with me and totally disregarded my communication; however I did speak with then Superintendent of Schools Mr. Serio. 

During our conversation Mr. Serio assured me that “with the return from winter break there should be new policies ready to be put in place.”  Is what I am seeing currently in the media part of the “new polices”?  Open doors, a lack of concern, no sense of urgency regarding prevention, no accountability and “isolated incidents”? 

I am one of many parents who applaud Mr. Appi in his attempt to point out the deficiencies within the school’s security.  Obviously coming to the administration doesn’t provide positive results (as we saw with my previous letter) and Mr. Appi took it to the next step by exercising his First Amendment rights within social media. 

It is very unfortunate that nearly a year after I was promised new policies would be implemented regarding the safety of our children, within your care, they are obviously still non-existent. 

Furthermore I am appalled that there is no accountability for the lack of said policy or the violations thereof.  The topic of discussion is CHILD SAFETY; however at this point due to the lack of accountability it borders child endangerment or risk of injury.  

Although a strong statement, a very necessary one to ensure the safety of our children while in your care. Wouldn’t you agree?  After all we are not talking about leaving a can of tennis balls open, we are talking about (1) the FRONT DOOR of the school open and accessible for ANYONE to enter (2) the lack of identifying or questioning an unknown person already within the building. 

Mr. Mayor and members of the Board, although I doubt you will follow through, please take the time and educate me as to why these simple safety policies are either still not in place or why there is no accountability when they are violated.  

Take the time to persuade me that you have the best of intentions when it comes to the safety of my children while in your care, because thus far I am not convinced and very concerned that your lack of due diligence could eventually cost a child their life. 

With deep regret,

Chris Kowalczik