Violating The Public Trust

To the Editor:

As the former chair of the townwide PTA Council, and as a parent, I am compelled to write.

In my opinion, an egregious violation of the public trust was committed last week in the wee hours of the morning after the NHS prom. According to a police report issued this week, Board of Education member Tom Gissen and his wife apparently hosted a post-prom party at their residence and failed to put a stop to the festivities when underage drinking became evident.

In addition to what I believe was a complete lapse in judgment, the Gissens collaterally undermined the efforts of the NHS PTSA. The PTSA works every year to hold a post-prom party as a safe alternative to underage drinking.

The Gissens’ actions fly in the face of this, and have got to be completely disheartening to all the dedicated Parent Connection volunteers who have bravely worked to bring drinking and drug issues to public awareness. It flies in the face of school programs, such as DARE, which ironically, Mr Gissen oversees in his role on the BOE.

It flies in the face of the Prevention Council and demeans the efforts to curb underage drinking by the Newtown Police. And it flies in the face of the many parents who work in myriad ways to support and improve our schools, and guide our children wisely and responsibly.

It is outrageous and unacceptable. The Board of Education should call for Mr Gissen’s immediate resignation. Nothing less will do.

Complacency on this issue by Board of Education chair Elaine McClure and the rest of her board would be an act of tremendous hypocrisy. As I am writing this, almost five full days have passed and still no BOE meeting has been posted.

Where is the leadership of the Board of Education? Unfortunately, I am not surprised because inaction is what I have come to expect. After all, it appears that under Ms McClure’s decadelong watch, our high school problems — substance abuse as well as overcrowding — seem to have worsened.

I hope any parent and resident who cares about the examples adults, and especially those who are in elected office are setting, demand sound judgment and then swift action. I hope, for the sake of our children, everybody in town will be watching with great interest as the results of this unfortunate situation play out.

Sarah Beier

7 Yogananda Street, Sandy Hook                                   May 10, 2007

(Editor’s Note: Thomas Gissen resigned from the Board of Education on May 9.)