Parents Voice Local Concerns with School Board

Parents voiced concerns with the East Meadow Board of Education at last week’s meeting at the

During the community participation segment, Betsy Rodriguez voiced displeasure with what she called the East Meadow district’s lack of attention when it comes to helping cultivate the special individual talents of students.

"My son is a writer," she said. "But I pointed out that, throughout his years in East Meadow, no one has taken the time to encourage or help him develop his gift. A teacher was quick to point out that students must make their own opportunities. When did 'do it yourself' become your educational philosophy?"

Rodriguez also said that children with special needs also lack the proper care needed in the district.

"My older son struggled in school...he has a learning disability," she said. "He never received the help he needed at a young age to develop a strong learning foundation."

Stephen and Danielle Wanzer claim that the ongoing problem of their son's school bus harassment has yet to be satisfactorily addressed by the school district.

"We have not had any response regarding my son being bullied on the school bus,” Danielle Wanzer said. “Someone cut his sneaker with a sharp object and no one is doing anything about it.”

“I am well aware of this situation, and steps have been taken to address it,” superintendent DeAngelo said, who then offered to meet with the Wanzers privately to resolve the situation.