Who’s protecting whom in NL school scandal?

So many questions remain unanswered. How did this happen and go on so long inside an educational facility? Who knew about this? Who withheld information?

I n a story this past Sunday by The Day’s Greg Smith, it was reported that the New London school district had 76 vacancies that needed to be filled before the start of the 2019 school year. New London has a total of 634 full-time positions, meaning approximately 11 percent of the school staff has decided not to return. The constant turnover of personnel makes it nearly impossible to build unity.

The system is so corrupt, broken and flawed that quality instructors previously cemented in the fabric of the city are disgusted enough to pick up and leave. Truthfully: I’m surprised the number isn’t higher. What educator would want to jeopardize his or her reputation by remaining in such a toxic, tumultuous environment? What parent would be willing to send their impressionable, fragile child into the chaotic firestorm that has engulfed New London’s schools?

It is absurd that state taxpayers are obligated to keep throwing money at a system that is completely broken. Despite years of heavy state investment, New London remains one of the worst performing districts in the state. And, per recent developments, it can’t even keep its middle school children safe.

Seriously: Where is it written that the state is under an obligation to fund this magnet school sham in New London any longer? What have New London school officials done to show they’re worthy of the money? It is a system known for its scandals and conflicts, not any record of achievement.

It is a dysfunctional school system in a dysfunctional city. By my count, since Rene Racette retired in 2000, there have been seven superintendents or acting superintendents attempting to steer the Whaling City school system to academic success and away from classroom — and faculty room — anarchy. They’ve all failed.

The large-scale hiring of non-certified personnel (some, as we learned from the recent arrests, had criminal records) is emblematic of the nepotism and favoritism that has been rampant in New London schools. It culminated in the sexual hedonism — sexual activity among staff, video recording, the alleged sexual abuse of students — that took place within the brick and mortar of a New London school.

In the investigations that have arisen since the arrest of Corriche Gaskin, a former climate specialist at Bennie Dover, for sex assault and related crimes, there have arisen numerous examples of conflicts of interest. I’m told that some families feel uncomfortable sharing personal information with the police because they think the process is tainted, stemming from a relationship between the police chief and a school administrator caught up in the investigation. How is the public supposed to take any city or internal investigation seriously with such an obvious conflict of interest?

In addition, many parents have been conditioned over the years to believe that complaints filed at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, as well as other New London schools, receive little more than lip service before they are filed away into obscurity. How many more horrifying stories of abuse have slipped through the cracks because families simply gave up? Is the sexual misconduct reported thus far the tip of a giant iceberg?

So many questions remain unanswered. How did this happen and go on so long inside an educational facility? Who knew about this? Who withheld information? Did Gaskin have dirty, secret information on staff members that kept them complicit?

If anyone knew or suspected, in even the smallest way, that a rape or sexual assault or other improper conduct occurred, not only should those people lose their jobs, but should be held criminally responsible. The public has seen numerous suspensions of personnel, but little explanation as to why.

Your job as an educator is first and foremost the safety and well-being of your students.

There is an old line that says the two best places for juicy gossip are hair salons and faculty rooms. It seems impossible that people close to the Gaskin situation said nothing to each other when they assumed the outside world wasn’t looking. We’re supposed to believe in this small circle of ultra-observant, uber-intelligent educators that nobody knew anything?

Human nature dictates you protect those close to you and those you care for. Who is really being protected here? Administrators involved in certain relationships, or who made certain decisions, or the kids?

I’d like to ask those in leadership positions in the New London school system one question: In Japanese folklore there are three monkeys; Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil.

Which one are you?

Lee Elci is the morning host for 94.9 News Now radio, a station that provides “Stimulating Talk” with a conservative bent.