SILVER CREEK, N.Y. — Outraged parents gathered Thursday night after they say their kids were allegedly held in an “isolation room” at Silver Creek Elementary School.
They say students who “misbehave” are put into the room, with no windows and one bench, for extended periods of time – with no way out.
Parents say the issue came to light after a senior staff member, Jay Hall, brought the issue to their attention Sunday.
Some said they’re scared to sends their kids back to school because of the trauma they’ve been through.
"He's really terrified to go to school," said Dewayne Farley, a parent of a 5-year-old who allegedly went into the "isolation room."
"He doesn't want to go to school,” said Tiffany Farley, the boy's mother. “I'm recently now learning he doesn't even want me to walk out of that house. He's screaming and crying because he doesn't want me to leave.”
"It breaks your heart as a father and obviously as a mother,” added Dewayne Farley. “It tears you up because your ability to protect your kid has gone.”
Parents thanked Hall for bringing it to their attention and for his attentiveness through the school year.
Hall did not comment, on advice from an attorney.
Parents say they are looking into potential legal action and want an outside party to be involved in any investigation.
“We have to have them admit the truth,” said another concerned parent during Thursday's meeting. “Move forward with what has been going on, stop the nonsense and have resolution.”
The New York State Education Department released a statement Thursday to Spectrum News 1, saying:
"We take all allegations of misconduct against educators extremely seriously. In order to protect the fairness and integrity of our processes, the Department does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations. Part 83 of the Commissioner's Regulations authorizes the Education Department to investigate allegations of lack of good moral character lodged against certified educators. An educator facing charges in accordance with Part 83 is afforded the opportunity for a full due process hearing. At issue when the Department initiates a Part 83 proceeding is whether the certified educator has the ‘good moral character’ to retain the certificate they hold.”
The Silver Creek Central School District released a statement on its Facebook page, saying:
"The District is aware that this morning there were concerns raised on social media pertaining to our Elementary School.
The District’s most important priority is the safety and security of all District students and staff. We take any concerns and allegations regarding student safety and their wellbeing as the top priority. The Board of Education received a multi-page letter yesterday, March 29, 2022 with several concerning allegations. The District engaged a third party, who immediately began and continues investigating the allegations set forth in the letter. Rest assured, that the District and Board of Education are engaging in a comprehensive and thorough investigation into this matter expeditiously.
We will continue to inform the community with appropriate updates when the District is able to."
