SCHOOLS: Questionable judgment

Schools need to be a safe place for every student. Unfortunately, this is not the case in many classrooms today. I understand things are hidden, but not in the case of Jeffrey Kantola. When a teacher is hired, knowing his background, we have no choice but to hold those in charge of protecting our children accountable.

I believe this could be the tip of the iceberg of a much bigger problem. I have spoken to many teens at our local schools and when they tell me about what happens at school it is concerning. Then they are afraid to speak out, even to counselors, because of retaliation or it being spread throughout the school. You know we have a problem.

One teen said to me, “We don’t know who to trust.” That should concern all of us.

Then we find out Supt. Matt Handelman and HR Director Kelly Ostrom knew of Jeffrey Kantola’s background and hired him anyway. It makes me question their judgment.

According to Crimes against Children Research Center, 28 percent of U.S. youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized, so why are they making risky choices? I see the damage this causes on a daily basis.

Too many of our children live in unsafe homes and school is the only opportunity for them to be in a safe environment, if even for a few hours. Now, the district and the Idaho Board of Education have knowingly violated the trust of our children and parents.

ED STEVENSON

Coeur d’Alene