An apology for wrong information about schools

In the spring of this year, the Hamtramck Community Initiative Weed and Seed took action to address the problem of recurring student violence in school and on the streets following school dismissal times.

The action consisted of an ad in this newspaper requesting parents and residents to document the problem of school and community violence for discussion and strategic response. As the volunteer Co-chair of HCI Steering Committee, I also sent information via e-mail that I have since learned is not true.

This letter is an apology to Superintendent Tom Niczay and the School Board for my failure to verify the scope of the facts prior to sending out information.

While I cannot speak for any other schools, the Hamtramck Public Schools follow a school safety and incident reporting policy. I have personally seen the folder of records of incident reports faithfully made throughout the 2009-2010 school year by the HPS. The incident report policy is crafted per the directions of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. According to Mr. Niczay, any incident that involves violence is reported in accordance to the law to the Hamtramck Police Department.

The Hamtramck Police Department forwards the information to the Wayne County Prosecutor.
This practice came into question in community meetings this past spring because some of the police personnel who met with community groups did not have knowledge of specific incidents related by students and parents to HCI.

I have since learned that reports were made about the incidents in question, however, those reports are not generally seen by community police officers. I believe we have a better understanding now of the school’s responsibility and compliance and an assurance from the Hamtramck Public Schools that they will continue to report physical confrontations and violence as required by law.

Again, I apologize for stating that “incident reports were not being filed by the Hamtramck Public Schools” when in fact, all known incidents have been filed with the authorities as required.

All of us want a safe school environment and safe streets around schools during dismissal time. HCI Weed and Seed promotes volunteer efforts toward that goal through Neighborhood Watch and Block Club groups and provision of grant funds for police overtime (the grant does not permit funding for police salaries, only overtime).

According to HPD administrators, one action that would be simple and welcomed is the presence of more adults at school closing time. This happens quite naturally with elementary students, but it would be very helpful for the middle and high school dismissal time.

HCI Weed and Seed looks forward to a safe and violence-free school year for 2010-2011. I would like to thank all the volunteers, school, and civic leaders who work hard to make Hamtramck a safe place for children and youth.

Rev. Sharon A. Buttry
Co-Chair, Weed and Seed Steering Committee
Hamtramck