What Landon Wants, Landon Gets
At the September 24th Westport Board of Education meeting, there was extensive questioning of Elliott Landon by parents about his refusal to allow HEPA air purifiers in the classrooms.
A number of parents offered to pay for the units and would match the single air purifier currently functioning in one of the classrooms (also parent purchased). A parent with a prior sick child at KHS stated that their kid was better since the purifier was installed.
When pressed by a parent and RTM member on why air purifiers were not allowed, Landon quoted 'policy'. When the same parent pressed on what policy he was referring to, Landon admitted there was nothing in writing. When pressed on why parent requests were being denied, he said it was his decision based on advice he had received. When pressed on whether it was legal or health advice, Landon tried to avoid a clear answer and admitted that legal advice has set his personal decision not to allow parents to purchase and install air purifiers in the classrooms at KHS.
After questions from the parents and BOE, Elliott agreed to review his decision by Friday the 28th.
His decision was a continued refusal to allow the installation of air filters in KHS classrooms.
5 comments:
How can Dr. Landon yield such unchecked power? Is there no system of checks and balances? The BOE should have a role in this and the authority to over-rule. There must be something in the by-laws or contract of the Super. to define protocol. Will check and get back to you.
Hi, I checked the contracts. For whatever reaon, Personnel contracts listed do not include Dr. Landon's contract. Find that curious.
Also, the last posted minutes are from April 2007. If you check other school districts, they are up to date... What's the story behind that?
How can the public be kept current?
If you have a note from your doctor stating that the student/teacher requires the air purifier as a necessity for health reasons (allergies,asthma) then the district has to not only allow it but must provide it - especially if the student/teacher is under Section 504.
Regarding the posted minutes - you can request to view(for free) or purchase a copy of the minutes - under the CT Freedom of Information Act. Refer to Section 1-225 - minutes must be available within 7 days of the meeting - if not you can file a complaint with their office for free.
we are thinking of buying a house in the KHS district, but this entire situation has given us serious pause. It seems that Dr. Landon is neither a positive or productive member of what I thought was supposed to be a dynamic and intelligent community. Maybe it's time to retire? IN the meantime, I think we'll spend our money in Weston.
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