Town Officials Invite Reporters Onto School District Property Without Knowledge or Consent of HUFSD Officials

On August 10, 2015, Town Hall officials took it upon themselves to create a photo op on the grounds of the HUFSD.  They did not bother to clear it with Huntington School District officials.  Superintendent Jim Polansky became aware of it when school district employees informed him that there were media crews talking to kids and filming on school district property.

Needless to say, Huntington School officials and parents were more than troubled at the irresponsible and inconsiderate actions by the Huntington Town Board and the potential problems this could have caused including putting children at risk.

Superintendent Polansky spoke to Town Hall officials to express his concern and he followed up with a letter that would become public record.

We reached out to Mr. Polansky to ask what the Town’s response was and he informed us that he did not receive a response as of this morning.

Superintendent Polansky’s letter is below:

August 11, 2015
Mr. A.J. Carter
Huntington Town Hall
100 Main Street
Huntington, New York 11743

Dear Mr. Carter,

This letter follows our conversation regarding the permission you unilaterally provided to several media crews with respect to filming on the campus of the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School on Monday, August 10. As we discussed after the fact, we can certainly appreciate the desire to highlight the accomplishments of an outstanding young man and his family, but said permission was not yours to give.

We have enjoyed hosting the Project Play program over the past several summers. The campers and staff have treated this building like their summer home, which we genuinely appreciate. Nonetheless, the fact that Town officials elected to invite reporters onto our campus without my or the Board of Education’s knowledge or consent is beyond troublesome and simply disrespectful. The fact that media staff were traveling throughout the building indiscriminately on the date in question, taking photographs and recording video, is not only intrusive but a violation of the facility use agreement that exists between the Huntington School District and the Town of Huntington. Furthermore, I don’t think you would appreciate our inviting the media to Town Hall without your authorization.

While we have welcomed opportunities to partner with the Town, particularly when it comes to the children and families we serve, it is unfortunate that you had to be reminded, once again, to communicate in advance something as important as media presence. As mentioned, we share your pride in the commitment demonstrated by the featured individual and also did not wish to embarrass the Town. Please note, however, that should this happen again, the media will be directed to leave without hesitation or question.

I trust that you will give this type of situation a second thought moving forward.

Sincerely,

James W. Polansky- Superintendent of Schools

cc: Board of Education
Supervisor Frank Petrone
Town Council Members
Jo-Ann Raia, Town Clerk

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