Typically culture change refers to improvement in the workplace for employees. However, I believe the Concord School District situation requires improvement in the student school culture.
Across the country students live in fear of gun violence; now in our local schools students are experiencing fear and mistrust because of the Howie Leung incidents.
The district leaders failed the students when they did not report Leung to the authorities as per law 169-C. All N.H. licensed professionals are fully aware they are mandated by law to report suspected sexual assaults. There was no rationale for not reporting when students came forward with their observations.
Ensuring student safety must be a priority and ingrained in the school culture. It is not to be debated and strategized. All student sexual assaults are to be reported to DCYF and then to the police.
I am a retired RN and a survivor of child sexual assault. Believe me, I know the pain experienced by Leung’s victims. It is devastating and life-altering. Parents, school board members and concerned citizens must demand a culture change that impacts students as well as Concord School District employees. The school culture will not change until the leaders and others involved resign from their positions of authority. New leadership is a necessity in the district.
PAULA CZECH LESMERISES
Concord