Dear Editor:
I am writing to discuss an article that appeared in the November 1st edition of the Union City Reporter, entitled “Small school district, big problem”. I was dismayed to read how the statistics were presented but not fully explained.
Such incidents are generated by reports made by school officials. While the incident rate may appear to be high in relation to other school districts, it is important to be mindful that Union City Public Schools imposes a strict policy of reporting all incidents in order to curb violence and misbehavior by students. Such numbers should be interpreted as vigilance by an administration that is intent on deterring violence and issuing appropriate consequences to offenders of school policy.
While the Union City school system has undergone numerous changes this school year with the addition of the new high school and the reassignment of various grade levels to different buildings, safety for our students remains paramount to the mission of Union City.
At the new high school, a state-of-the-art system, which was designed to provide a high level of security, has been installed in order to offer a safe learning environment and ensure that education is the primary focus of students.
I continue to visit our local schools and meet with school administrators. I wish to make it abundantly clear that diligent reporting of incidents should not overshadow the multitude of accomplishments of our administration, teachers and students. As conveyed by test scores, Union City remains a model system for urban education.
Sincerely,
Brian P. Stack
Mayor