Board Debates How to Handle Anonymous Letter's Charges

An anonymous letter stirred a heated discussion at Monday night’s Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education meeting, with board members debating how to respond to allegations made in an anonymous letter.

While specifics were not discussed publicly, Board President Robert Horowitz indicated board members and school administrators had received an anonymous letter from a parent that included some “allegations.”

“I think the letter is making a scurrilous attack on a member of this high school staff," Horowitz said. "This is a venomous letter, it doesn’t talk about facts. It makes libelous statements.

“It’s easy to take an anonymous path," he added. "I’m just saying there are ways to discreetly, confidentially state things.”

But board member Peter Falzarano, who noted that fears of retribution and retaliation exist for many parents and students, said that the comments shouldn't be dismissed only because the letter was sent anonymously.

"It is in support of things that have been said already,” Falzarano said.

Louis Pepe agreed, adding he believes the board needs to "address any issues that come up. It should not be taken lightly and it should be looked into.”

And Peter Fallone noted that if people are afraid of retaliation in the event of a complaint, it's a “failing this board has to address.”

The letter was expected to be a topic of discussion at Tuesday’s Co-curricular Committee meeting, said Harold Grossnickle, board vice president.

“It will not be swept under the table. It will be discussed in depth,” he assured the board, and said the discussion will be reported to the entire board.