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School Officials Share Blame for Fox Lane Pranks
To the Editor:Those searching for responsibility for the extensive damage done to Bedford Central School District property during this year's Fox Lane Prank Night have already, "Rounded up the usual suspects." Parents, police, school security, students, even vocal members of the community have come under the light of scrutiny. The only major party eluding complicity is the School District itself
Not unreasonably, school officials quickly cited parents as contributing to the fact that approximately 70 students, some reportedly driven by their parents, trespassed around 3:30 a.m. Friday morning. About thirty students directly responsible for the arson, pornographic expression, and various malicious mischief, will suffer appropriate punitive actions.
Marring the appearance of swift justice at the sparsely attended board meeting were opening remarks by the board president. She blamed the student acts of vandalism on so-called "Teacher-bashing." This accusation has been voiced repeatedly in the press by democratically-challenged district operatives and union lackeys. Drunk from wine made from last election's sour grapes, these losers attempt to discredit elements of the winning coalition.
To use her position and this sobering occasion for this unsubstantiated political attack is shameless.
Dishonorable mention belongs also to Fox Lane Principal Richard Kraemer who was quick to point the finger this time. Last year, residents may recall, it was the principal who hosted, unbeknownst to parents, over 100 students at the high school on a school night for a 4 a.m. sleep-in.
Police had to be called for drinking, dangerous early morning boating, the theft of a security vehicle, and random anti-social acts which occurred under his "Adult supervision." No disciplinary action was ever taken.
Prank night and the damage that took place are not manifestations common only to Fox Lane. Most districts contend with one form or another. Some, including ours, have, with a wink and a nod, almost institutionalized the tradition. As a result the reputation of the school and of the student body has been tarnished.
Other schools, like Chappaqua, have begun to come down hard on acts of teacher humiliation and disrespect by students. At the next meeting the Bedford board should announce that this year's "Prank Night" was the last.
Joseph P. Giardina