Suspended Security Chief For NHS Draws Support From Students

By Eliza Hallabeck

While the Board of Education met behind closed doors, a large group was forming in the hallway outside of the Reed Intermediate School library in support of Richard Novia. The Newtown High School security chief has been placed on administrative leave following a March 12 incident involving a student at the school. The details of that incident have not been released by the school district.

Mr Novia and his attorney, Vincent Sabatini, presented their case at last week’s Board of Education meeting, asking that the 15-year district employee be reinstated to his position. Mr Sabatini said the action taken against Mr Novia was unjustifiable and was not an appropriate reaction to the incident.

This week the board heard Mr Novia’s side of the story at a 6:30 pm closed session prior to its regular meeting because the name of a minor allegedly involved in the incident would be discussed.

By 7 pm, there was a small group waiting outside, but within minutes it grew to more than 50 people. As Mr Novia and his attorney stepped out from the executive session, former and current students, family and friends swarmed to greet him.

Mr Sabatini said there was nothing to say regarding the situation at this time, and he had no remarks regarding what happened while the doors to the executive session were shut.

“I’m not surprised by the turnout,” said Mr Sabatini, “because I knew there’s a lot of support for Mr Novia in the town of Newtown.”

Mr Novia said he had no comment regarding what took place during the closed session.

Many of the students, who have become familiar with Mr Novia through his security duties and as an advisor to the Technology Club, came in support after they heard about it from friends. Others said they heard about it through e-mails or from an event placement on Facebook, which is similar to sending out an announcement.

“I never would have learned any of the skills I have today without Mr Novia, without the Tech Club,” said John Russell, a former student and Newtown resident.

Mr Russell said he came from Greenwich, where he now lives, to support his former mentor.

“I think I am one out of 100 kids that he’s had an influence on,” he said.

As a former Newtown High School student, Michael Novia came to support his father. He said his father had helped a lot of friends, himself and other students over the years.

“We all get into our fair share of trouble,” said Michael, “and my dad treated me objectively.”

During the public participation part of the meeting about a dozen students stood up to speak on behalf of Mr Novia. Most of them told stories about how they would not have become good students without the help of Mr Novia or the support of the Technology Club.

“This is not a time when we will respond to anything,” said Chairman Elaine McClure after the public participation was over.

Ms McClure then asked the room how many people were there to support Mr Novia, and the room seemed full of raised arms in response.

The crowd dispersed as the rest of the meeting continued, and only a handful of people remained. The board went into another closed session at the end of the evening, but no resolution to the issue was reported.