The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
NORTH BROAD
Playground rules change
Following a spate of issues involving community members and the police, North Broad Elementary School is limiting the hours and use of its playground.
“As you know, the safety of our students is our most important priority,” writes principal Eric Coriale in a letter posted to the district’s Facebook page. “I take pride in the safe, structured, and nurturing environment that our staff provides for our students.”
According to the school district, there have been several fights and acts of vandalism taking place on the playground, some of which have required police presence. These acts were not done by students, but by older, unsupervised children, or those who have no affiliation with the school.
Beginning immediately, the playground and school grounds will be open only to students ages 12 and younger who are supervised by an adult. The playground and school grounds will close at dusk. All individuals who violate the rules will be immedi
ately reported to the Oneida Police Department.
Signs and other displays will be placed over the next few weeks to inform the public of these changes, and the OPD will continue frequent patrols of the grounds.
“Parents and families deserve to enjoy the playground with their children,” Coriale writes. “Thank you to the Oneida Police Department for their continued partnership and shared vision of keeping our students safe. If you see or hear any concerns on school grounds, please immediately call the Oneida Police Department.”