To the Editor:

As I continue to fight for justice and safety for children, I have uncovered other concerns about our county government that have alarmed me and so today’s submission topic is “moral ethical behavior and access to children while in school.”

“Ethics” is defined as a moral philosophy or code of morals practiced by a person or group of people.

Statement of fact about Madrid-Waddington CSD (MW): The school board and current administration openly allowed individuals of poor moral character access to children despite public objections.

Case in point, according to local newspaper articles approximately 29 years ago, a town magistrate entered a defendant’s home where he offered a reduced fine for a sexual favor. After being ordered out of her home, he threatened to take her child and kill her dog if she told. Consequently, he was removed from his position by the State.

Separately, a current New York State Education Department (NYSED) investigation is looking into the sexual abuse experienced by former MW schoolchildren (predominately female victims) at the hands of a teacher/ teachers in the district.

That same morally corrupt judge referenced above served two decades on the MW school board. During his tenure:

1) He protected the teacher/teachers in question.

2) He coached with the teacher/teachers and had access to young girls

It is a national story with a local threat! The vulnerability of young female students and athletes to powerful men of low moral turpitude.

So, what is a bona fide risk? It is a simple criterion. Sexual misconduct has no place in school.

At the present time, the teacher has retired and the judge decided to quietly step down from the school board. Yet they continue to be a threat as they are allowed to attend school events, sports games and meetings. The school board and administration show contempt for the evidence and testimony of its constituency which begs the question, are children safe at school? I do not know where the community apathy and selective blindness comes from? It’s your responsibility to stop this plague on our children. Get involved and tell your administration how you feel.

Bill Roome
Madrid