Parents question Riverhead School Board members about student safety
The Riverhead Central School District superintendent released a statement Tuesday saying any student caught bringing a weapon onto school grounds will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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Riverhead School Board members faced questions Tuesday from parents about student safety.
It comes after two separate incidents where three students at Riverhead Middle School were arrested in less than a week following the discovery of guns and knives.
Riverhead Central School District Superintendent Augustine Tornatore released a statement Tuesday saying any student caught bringing a weapon onto school grounds will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Parents say they remain worried about their children’s safety and told board members they want to see increased security measures at schools.
Some suggestions included adding metal detectors, police officers in the schools and possibly even private security.
“It’s kind of scary, worrying if something is going to happen to your kids when you send them off in the morning,” says Tarshea Jennings, of Riverhead.
Other parents asked if there were other weapons that were found at the school that they were never told about. Some said they were also not satisfied with the school’s statement that no one was in danger.
The superintendent says with the end of the school year approaching, the district is working with police to have additional coverage at outdoor events and some events have been moved indoors.
News 12 has confirmed that the graduation will be held outside.
Tornatore said they are asking parents to discuss with their children about what has been going on in the building.
“We also ask that parents or guardians spend time about checking backpacks and really asking children as to why they may be feeling certain ways or feeling any type of safety concerns, which could lead for them to want to bring a weapon to school,” Tornatore said.
