The Bedford Central School District has announced personnel changes following a report that criticized it for its
probe of lewd student photos.
Back in March, allegations surfaced that some students had photographed special education students in the boys bathroom in 2021.
During a meeting Wednesday, parents said they were outraged about how the schools handled the incident.
"I'm so glad I never let up and pushed this issue as I did. My goal is still the same as it always has been. I want no other family to ever have to endure this pain," said parent Karen Close, of Pound Ridge.
It was an emotional meeting for parents like Karen Close, whose child was one of the victims.
"This is about being reliable. This is about being accountable. This is about rebuilding trust all around," said Bedford Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Glass.
In June, the Bedford Board of Education hired Kroll Associates to investigate.
"Through a mechanism like this report, it is critical that as a community we all gain an understanding, not only of what happened but we must do to improve," Glass said.
Kroll's report found that no one in the Fox Lane High School administration took charge of investigating the reported misconduct.
The report also revealed two students admitted to the principal last March that they had taken pictures but he never told anyone.
As a result, Principal Brett Miller will resign by the end of June and district's director of Pupil Services, Edward Escobar, is on leave.
"I am feeling even more outraged, hurt and victimized than I was before, which I didn't think was possible. Yet, I also feel vindicated and validated," Close said.
The board will work to implement Kroll's recommendations, which include training for administration and staff, and a policy to notify families when a student may be a victim of harassment, bullying or discrimination.
The review also says Kroll was impressed with the dedication and commitment of the special education staff and their unwavering determination to protect their students from further harm.