Sachem Parents...Election Day Concern

I am curious if what I witnessed today was just at my son's school or if it was occuring at all the Sachem Schools today.

I know that district decided to stay open today rather than close for election day...but they are still being used as Polling Places for the election.

My concern is that when I droppped my son off for early care this morning...people were coming and going as they please inside the school to vote. There was no security to ensure that these individuals went straight the polling area and back out the door.
ID's were being checked at the polling area only....so basically anyone could enter the school today.

I was very disappointed in the lack of security this morning at the school. Normally the doors are locked and each adult who enters needs to be buzzed in.

I understand that buzzing in may not have been possible today...but there was nothing or no one in place to ensure that these "Voters" were not roaming the school.

True the school was not technically open yet...but there were students there at early care...so I feel precautions should have been in place to ensure the children's safety.

I'm toying with the idea of drafting up a letter to the superindentent....I really feel for the safety of our children the district should have closed school today for students...if they were going to have security gaurds present.

Please share your thoughts

Re: Sachem Parents...Election Day Concern

I just voted but I vote at a diferent elementary school than my DD's. They had people directing you as soon as you walked in to the gym which was right near the entrance and directing you out. They also buzzed people in the building. Not sure how the set up is at my DD's school. Also in my DD's school, before care is in the cafeteria which is away from the gym.

ETA: I vote at Hiawatha

Message edited 11/2/2010 11:10:26 AM.

Re: Sachem Parents...Election Day Concern

Re: Sachem Parents...Election Day Concern

I would hope that the supervisors in before-care would be watching the kids and not allowing them out of the cafeteria.
My children go to Sachem and the parents were complaining this morning at the bus stop that the schools were opened (not sure of the reasons though).

I personally see no need to close them. Speaking as a wohm who needs to take days when my kids are off (and luckily have enough to do so), many parents have limited amount of time to take off and days like this are not needed.

Re: Sachem Parents...Election Day Concern

My kids aren't in Sachem but I do think you have valid concerns & wouldn't hesitate to email the superintendent about it for future elections.

My school is open too but we had the regular security. If you brought a kid into the school, they weren't leaving with anyone. My daughter tried to run after me to give me one last hug & she was stopped. I'm grateful that they were attentive. If yours aren't, say something.

Re: Sachem Parents...Election Day Concern

the sd I work in was open and we all thought the same thing.

my principal laced an aide or custodian at the gym (voting) door all day.


still - it just gives more reason that school should be closed - but the calendar was so strange this year.