On January 19, 2016, there was a student altercation at Bonny Eagle High School that

was recorded by a student on his phone. A parent then placed the recording on Facebook.
This situation occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. while students were entering the
building from the buses. It appears in the recording that adults were not present;
however, this is inaccurate. On January 19, 2016, there was a teacher on duty greeting
students outside as they came off the bus, a teacher in the cafeteria, and one in the hall
outside the cafeteria. Administration was in the lobby greeting students as they are daily.
The Dean of Students and staff were also circulating throughout the building, which
happens at arrive, dismissal and bell changes. Unfortunately, this event took place
outside the eyeshot and earshot of adults, but once they were made aware of it, they
become involved.
Ms. Vivian Leigh contacted me today, January 21, 2016, and I returned her call at 10:54
a.m. because a parent had sent her the recording and she was doing an article on this
matter and was looking for a statement from the school. I indicated that this was
irresponsible journalism solely for the benefit of the network to capture an audience and
it was sensationalized media that was taking an isolated incident and capitalizing on it.
She was clear an article would be done because they (WCSH 6) had a responsibility to
inform the public about what was going on. I shared with her facts about Bonny Eagles
school safety record and indicated that I would make a statement as long as I had in
writing from WCSH 6 that my statement would be printed in total. She said she could
not make that promise or guarantee, but portions of my statement would be shared. I was
clear that if WCSH 6 wanted a statement from me, it would have to be printed in total.
She, once again, indicated that this could not be guaranteed, but she would speak to her
editor and they would send me an email statement regarding this request.
At the time I am sending this statement (2:00 p.m.), I have not heard back either Ms.
Leigh or her editor. This simply highlights my conviction that this is irresponsible
journalism by Ms. Leigh and WCSH 6 News with the intent to sensationalize an isolated
event and make Bonny Eagle High School and public schools in general look unsafe.
Here are the facts:
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There were teachers on duty, and once made aware of the situation, became
involved.

We take student safety seriously, and our track record shows we have a safe high
school.
Our last student physical altercation occurred on November 9, 2014.

Our last student act of aggression toward another student was April 10, 2015.
This incident involved one student throwing food at another student in the
cafeteria and that student was disciplined.

I applaud the student who intervened in the fight. This is responsible citizenship
that we attempt to foster in our students. The type of behavior displayed by the
two students involved in this incident should not be tolerated by any member of

our school community. Our students are responsible citizens and this recording
highlights that fact. Our record also shows that our school is safe and that when
incidents arise, we hold individuals accountable.
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I am pleased after reviewing responses on the WCSH 6 Facebook post that a

majority of people see this as an issue that plagues our public schools and that
Bonny Eagle is not the only high school that deals with these situations. This
behavior is unacceptable in any setting, but as adults, we all must be modeling the
kind of behavior we want from our youth. Unfortunately, the media portrays this
type of behavior as acceptable in their broadcasts, popular television, and by our
public leaders. These events are unfortunate, and at MSAD 6, we take student
safety seriously in deal with situations when they arise.

Bonny Eagle High School administrators and the School Resource Officer are
looking at this situation to make changes to the duty placements of teachers so
student areas have coverage. There is a balance between treating young adults as
young adults and overseeing their every move and stifling their growth into
adulthood.

It is unfortunate that, once again, a media source chooses to take an isolated event and
magnify it to sell airtime and create a sense that public schools are unsafe and our
educators are not doing their jobs. We have 1,100 students in Bonny Eagle High School
and our safety record regarding these incidents is clear. For WCSH 6 to attempt to
capitalize on this situation to gain viewers and make public school look poorly and unsafe
is irresponsible and far from the truth. I appreciate the comments made on the WCSH 6
Facebook page. They are balanced and supportive of public schools in Maine and in the
United States. Are there issues in public schoolsyesbut to attempt to make public
schools constantly look bad is inaccurate and irresponsible. It would be great if the
media spent more time focusing on the positive things that occur in our public schools by
highlighting the positive accomplishments of our youth and boosting their success.
Instead, they chose to take isolated incidents and use them as a tool to insight tension and
create a sense that our public schools are unsafe and that they dont provide our youth
with quality educational experiences and opportunities.