Board of Education Chairman Ted Raczka said that the reaction by Keigwin principal Tracey Koff to the gas leak at the school was inappropriate.
"Protocol was not followed and it should have been," Raczka said Tuesday. "That is wrong."
He declined to comment on the specifics of the case, which he says will be discussed at the next Board of Education meeting, because, "there are potential discipline issues floating around."
"It was a mistake, clearly," he added. "And you're never going to get rid of every mistake. But it has been dealt with very seriously. A lot of work was done to insure that this will never happen again."
Raczka characterized the incident as a "leaking bunsen burner," but acknowledged that any gas in a school is a matter that must be taken very seriously.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Prospect Street Residents Arrested on Multiple Charges
From the Middletown Police Department Street Crimes Unit
On February 2, 2010 the Street Crime Unit with the assistance of the Detective Division and the Patrol Division executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at the residence of 152 Prospect St. We had received numerous complaints concerning this address from concerned citizens that reside in the area.
The male target of our investigation Thomas Way D.O.B. 12/13/87 was detained at a separate location.
A female identified as Kristian Augeri D.O.B. 3/15/87 along with a small child were located in a bedroom on the second floor. Located in the bedroom was a loaded 9mm stolen handgun. In the same area of the handgun was a 12 gauge shotgun with ammunition and a sum of US Currency. Drug paraphernalia, 2 large hunting knives, and ammunition were located in the same bedroom.
In an adjacent bedroom on the second floor was a “stun” gun.
A second female identified as Stephanie Way DOB 11/9/85 was located in a bedroom on the first floor. Located inside of the first floor bedroom was 34.1 grams of marijuana, some of which packaged for sale. Packaging material was also located in the bedroom.
Thomas Way was subsequently arrested for the following charges and held on a $100,00.00 Bond:
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
Criminal Possession of a Pistol
Risk of Injury to a Minor
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Improper Storage of Loaded Firearm w/ Respect to Minors
Kristen Augeri was subsequently arrested for the following charges and held on a $25,000.00 Bond :
Risk of Injury to a Minor
Interfering with a Search and Seizure Warrant
Interfering with an Officer
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Stephanie Way was subsequently arrested for the following charges and released on a $5,000.00 Non-Surety Bond:
Possession of under 4 Ounces of Marijuana
Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell
Possession of Marijuana with intent to Sell within 1500 ‘ of Daycare
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Risk of Injury to a Minor
Any citizens willing to give information concerning possible illegal activities are encouraged to contact Sgt. Rich Davis of the Street Crime Unit at (860) 344-3259. All information will remain anonymous.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Gina Ulysse: Using Her Total Person
Below is an excerpt from Wesleyan's Center for the Arts Blog, written by Director Pamela Tatge:
There are a number of events on campus this week and next that will help to bring into focus what is going on in Haiti right now. We are so fortunate to have faculty who can share their personal and scholarly understanding of this magnificent country with us as we try to grapple with the present-day horror and the necessities of the future.
If you have never seen Professor Gina Ulysse (Anthropology, African-American Studies and FGSS) perform before, you must. I can guarantee that those who have will be flocking to see her again, so I suggest that you plan to arrive early this Thursday night when she performs her dramatic monologue Because When God Is Too Busy: Haiti, me and THE WORLD. We have moved the event from the CFA Hall to Memorial Chapel so that we can accommodate a larger audience.
To read more, visit the CFA Blog.
Blumenthal Decides Not to Decide on Bysiewicz's Status
CT New Junkie reports that Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who is also a Democratic candidate for US Senate, declined today to give a legal opinion on the status of Susan Bysiewicz's qualifications as candidate for CT Attorney General. Bysiewicz, a Middletown resident, is currently Secretary of State, and was considering a run for governor before Blumenthal declared his candidacy for Senate when Chris Dodd announced his retirement at the end of this term.
Rumor Has It...
that there's a paper shortage in Middletown schools, and I even heard that homework has been canceled because of it. Of course, I didn't catch WHICH school has this problem, so I went straight to the top to sort it out.
Business Manager Nancy Haynes confirmed on 1/28/10 to Superintendent Michael Frechette that she knows of no paper shortage at any of the schools. Furthermore, she had just signed a purchase order for three schools to buy paper.
So, if anyone has confirmed instances of a school not having enough paper, please post a comment with your specifics. Otherwise, I'm happy to report that it was just a nasty rumor, although I'm sure there are many kids out there who'd love to have homework canceled because of budget shortfalls!
Business Manager Nancy Haynes confirmed on 1/28/10 to Superintendent Michael Frechette that she knows of no paper shortage at any of the schools. Furthermore, she had just signed a purchase order for three schools to buy paper.
So, if anyone has confirmed instances of a school not having enough paper, please post a comment with your specifics. Otherwise, I'm happy to report that it was just a nasty rumor, although I'm sure there are many kids out there who'd love to have homework canceled because of budget shortfalls!
People to See, Places to Go (Part 1)
Wednesday February 3:
The Russell Library begins a new monthly Film Discussion series (to be held the first Wednesday of the month through May) on this day. "The Many Faces of Marlon Brando", hosted by Richard Alleva (film critic for Commonweal Magazine), will focus the actor's fascinating career beginning with Elia Kazan's brilliant 1954 film, "On the Waterfront." Co-starring Eva Marie Saint (pictured), Rod Steiger, Karl Malden, and Lee J. Cobb, the movie has been hailed as one of the best of the 20th Century. The screening starts at 12 noon and is free and open to the public. Bring your lunch. For more information, call 860-347-2528, extension 135.
The Distinguished Writers Series at Wesleyan presents Hilton Als at 8 p.m. in The Russell House, 350 High Street. Als, the English Department's Distinguished Visiting Writer for 2009-2010, is the author of "The Women", a meditation on gender, race, personal identity, and the biographical subject. A staff writer at The New Yorker since 1996 and a recipient of the George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism, Als has also edited and contributed to numerous books and museum catalogues. "Richard Pryor: A Novel" is forthcoming from Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 860-685-3448 or go to www.wesleyan.edu/writing/distinguished_writers/.
Wesleyan Professor of Anthropology and spoken-word artist Gina Ulysse, a native of Haiti, will perform her one-person show, "Because When God is Too Busy: Haiti, Me and the World" at 6:30 p.m. in the CFA Hall (formerly the CFA Cinema, near the Zilkha Gallery.) The program is filled with amazing images, stories, myths, poems, songs and more. After the performance, Professors Elizabeth McAlister and Alex Dupuy will talk about the ongoing situation in Haiti. The event is part of Wesleyan University's Haiti Relief Action Team. There will also be a series of concerts held on campus. To find out more, view the invite at http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=283166183727&ref=mf.
The Russell Library begins a new monthly Film Discussion series (to be held the first Wednesday of the month through May) on this day. "The Many Faces of Marlon Brando", hosted by Richard Alleva (film critic for Commonweal Magazine), will focus the actor's fascinating career beginning with Elia Kazan's brilliant 1954 film, "On the Waterfront." Co-starring Eva Marie Saint (pictured), Rod Steiger, Karl Malden, and Lee J. Cobb, the movie has been hailed as one of the best of the 20th Century. The screening starts at 12 noon and is free and open to the public. Bring your lunch. For more information, call 860-347-2528, extension 135.
The Distinguished Writers Series at Wesleyan presents Hilton Als at 8 p.m. in The Russell House, 350 High Street. Als, the English Department's Distinguished Visiting Writer for 2009-2010, is the author of "The Women", a meditation on gender, race, personal identity, and the biographical subject. A staff writer at The New Yorker since 1996 and a recipient of the George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism, Als has also edited and contributed to numerous books and museum catalogues. "Richard Pryor: A Novel" is forthcoming from Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 860-685-3448 or go to www.wesleyan.edu/writing/distinguished_writers/. Thursday February 4:
Wesleyan Professor of Anthropology and spoken-word artist Gina Ulysse, a native of Haiti, will perform her one-person show, "Because When God is Too Busy: Haiti, Me and the World" at 6:30 p.m. in the CFA Hall (formerly the CFA Cinema, near the Zilkha Gallery.) The program is filled with amazing images, stories, myths, poems, songs and more. After the performance, Professors Elizabeth McAlister and Alex Dupuy will talk about the ongoing situation in Haiti. The event is part of Wesleyan University's Haiti Relief Action Team. There will also be a series of concerts held on campus. To find out more, view the invite at http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=283166183727&ref=mf.Bob Gotta hosts the Acoustic Open Mic at 7 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree. If you wish to take part, sign-ups begin at 6:30.
Friday February 5:
The Liviu Pop Group performs at 9 p.m. in Boney's Music Lounge, a venue that has become the drummer's new home. Joining him will be Joe Grieco (keyboards, vocals) and Tom Majesky (guitar.)
Frechette Denies He Dismissed Gas Leak Problem
In a phone interview Tuesday morning, Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette calls into question Middletown Fire Chief Gary Oulette's claim that the superintendent dismissed concerns about a gas leak at Keigwin Middle School on January 19.
"I called the chief. We met. I called the Director of Facilities Ken Jackson and the principal and we met to discuss the situation," Frechette said. "If you call that dismissing the problem, I'm puzzled."
Frechette called Keigwin principal Tracey Goff's decision to keep students inside the school as the gas leak was mitigated, a "judgment call." He said the principal considered the leak minor because the source of the problem was discovered immediately, and the gas was shut down.
As a result of the incident, Frechette said that safety procedures have been reviewed, and that a discussion will occur at the next Board of Education meeting regarding next steps.
Mayor Sebastian Giuliano and Frechette have not met, as yet, to discuss the issue.
"I called the chief. We met. I called the Director of Facilities Ken Jackson and the principal and we met to discuss the situation," Frechette said. "If you call that dismissing the problem, I'm puzzled."
Frechette called Keigwin principal Tracey Goff's decision to keep students inside the school as the gas leak was mitigated, a "judgment call." He said the principal considered the leak minor because the source of the problem was discovered immediately, and the gas was shut down.
As a result of the incident, Frechette said that safety procedures have been reviewed, and that a discussion will occur at the next Board of Education meeting regarding next steps.
Mayor Sebastian Giuliano and Frechette have not met, as yet, to discuss the issue.
Fire Chief: Principal Endangered Students During Gas Leak at Keigwin
According to testimony before the Common Council Monday night, Fire Chief Gary Oulette said that Keigwin Middle School Principal Tracey Koff, did not follow standard safety procedures when there was a gas leak at the school on January 19.
Oulette said that the gas leak was caused when a maintenance worker turned on a gas main to the science labs after being informed that bunsen burners in the room would be used that day. Apparently petcocks in the labs had inadvertently been left open causing gas to fill the labs, and sending a gas odor throughout the wing of the school which houses the labs.
The principal ordered students to the other end of school to wait in the gymnasium until the gas could be cleared. She then called the director of school facilities. The fire department was never informed. That day a letter was sent home to parents informing them of the incident.
The letter was the source of information for the fire department, and Oulette insists that the principal's actions were unsafe, incorrect and "could have caused a tragedy." He said that the school should have been evacuated immediately, and that fire and police personnel should have been called in to handle the situation.
Oulette brought his concerns to the mayor, and to the superintendent of schools, Michael Frechette. According to Oulette, the superintendent dismissed his concerns. Oulette then brought his concerns to the Public Safety commission.
"That's one of the most outrageous decisions anyone could do," Council member Phil Pessina said.
Council members were outraged at the inaction of Koff and Frechette, and insisted that procedures be reaffirmed at all schools. Council member Ron Klattenberg suggested that a "cultural" problem existed in the school system and that the challenge would be solving the "cultural problem." Council member Deb Kleckowski insisted that the principal, her staff and the superintendent were culpable.
"There should be ramifications attached to this," Kleckowski said.
Police chief Patrick McMahon confirmed that the schools have had, for many years. a safety manual written and published by the Police Department with clear instructions on how to handle such an emergency.
Oulette referred the incident to state's attorneys for consideration for possible prosecution. The state attorney declined to prosecute due to the absence of physical evidence.
Oulette said that the gas leak was caused when a maintenance worker turned on a gas main to the science labs after being informed that bunsen burners in the room would be used that day. Apparently petcocks in the labs had inadvertently been left open causing gas to fill the labs, and sending a gas odor throughout the wing of the school which houses the labs.
The principal ordered students to the other end of school to wait in the gymnasium until the gas could be cleared. She then called the director of school facilities. The fire department was never informed. That day a letter was sent home to parents informing them of the incident.
The letter was the source of information for the fire department, and Oulette insists that the principal's actions were unsafe, incorrect and "could have caused a tragedy." He said that the school should have been evacuated immediately, and that fire and police personnel should have been called in to handle the situation.
Oulette brought his concerns to the mayor, and to the superintendent of schools, Michael Frechette. According to Oulette, the superintendent dismissed his concerns. Oulette then brought his concerns to the Public Safety commission.
"That's one of the most outrageous decisions anyone could do," Council member Phil Pessina said.
Council members were outraged at the inaction of Koff and Frechette, and insisted that procedures be reaffirmed at all schools. Council member Ron Klattenberg suggested that a "cultural" problem existed in the school system and that the challenge would be solving the "cultural problem." Council member Deb Kleckowski insisted that the principal, her staff and the superintendent were culpable.
"There should be ramifications attached to this," Kleckowski said.
Police chief Patrick McMahon confirmed that the schools have had, for many years. a safety manual written and published by the Police Department with clear instructions on how to handle such an emergency.
Oulette referred the incident to state's attorneys for consideration for possible prosecution. The state attorney declined to prosecute due to the absence of physical evidence.
A Common Council Meeting In Chapters
(Russell Library director Arthur Meyers, Cheryl Jackson and Elizabeth Santangelo, all contributors to the Community Conversations project, accept recognition from Mayor Sebastian Giuliano and the Middletown Common Council.)It was with no small amount of dread that all involved entered Common Council chambers on Monday evening. Looming over the evening was an ongoing struggle between the Republican executive (Mayor) and Democratic-majority legislative (Common Council) branches, a proposal to create a million-dollar parking lot downtown with exactly no new spaces, and an agenda that contained 52 proposed resolutions and ordinances ("one for every week of the year," said Council member Grady Faulkner).
Who's the boss?
Of course, the real boss is Mr. Bruce Springsteen, but he was nowhere near Council Chambers when the meeting began. And the meeting began as it would end, with a heated debate about who should be making financial decisions in the city.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Argus Reports Blumenthal Investigating Kamman Case
The Wesleyan Argus is reporting that Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, now a candidate for US Senate, has opened an investigation into the "alleged misconduct of the University’s former Vice President for Investments, Thomas Kannam. The Attorney General’s office is attempting to determine whether Kannam misused any donated funds."
According to the Argus, Kannam's legal reprentatives deny any misappropriation of funds by their client.
Wesleyan, for it's part, denying any claim that it has accused Kannam of abusing Wesleyan's endowment.
According to the Argus, Kannam's legal reprentatives deny any misappropriation of funds by their client.
Wesleyan, for it's part, denying any claim that it has accused Kannam of abusing Wesleyan's endowment.
Discussing Haiti
My conversation with Alex Dupuy, Professor of Sociology at Wesleyan, can be heard today ay 12:30 p.m. on WMRD-AM1150 & WLIS-1420AM. Professor Dupuy, the author of 3 books on Haiti (the latest being "The Prophet and Power: Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the International Community, and Haiti" published in 2006) is a native of the island nation and still has relatives living there (all survived the earthquake with minimal or no damage because they all live outside of Port-au-Prince.)
His knowledge of the country and its political problems makes for compelling listening.
His knowledge of the country and its political problems makes for compelling listening.
Minds in Motion Registration
Registration is now open for Middletown’s second annual “Minds in Motion” enrichment program, Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Snow School from 1:00-4:00 pm. (check-in starts at noon).
“Minds in Motion” (MIM) is an afternoon of fun, fast-paced, hands-on workshops for motivated students grades K-8. This year’s workshops include chess, dance, chemistry, pottery, karate, circus skills, theater, African drumming, music, math, tessellations, and much, much more. All interested students are welcome to attend, and financial aid is available for anyone in need.
Activities for parents include a keynote talk by Dr. Susan Berry of Glastonbury entitled “Helping Children to Use Their Talents and Gifts,” workshops on a variety of topics relating to education and parenting, and an opportunity to browse the Vendor and Exhibitor area.
This event is co-sponsored by the Snow School PTO and Connecticut Association for the Gifted. The full brochure and the mail-in form or online registration is available from the CAG website at http://www.ctgifted.org/
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