Somers High School Principal Apologizes for 'Copied' Letter

SOMERS, CT — The Somers High School principal has apologized to the school community for a letter that seemed mostly "copied" from another school system.

The letter was from March 12, and detailed the school’s plans to allow students to leave class for the national school walkout designed to protest school violence on the one-month anniversary of the Parkland, FL, shootings.

Gary Cotzin called the move "a severe lapse in judgment on my part."

In a letter to parents, Superintendent of Schools Brian Czapla, mentioned a reprimand.

“This lack of professional judgment is not what we expect from our school leaders,” the letter stated.

Here is a transcript of the superintendent's message:

I regret to inform you of an unfortunate incident related to the Somers High School Principal. Last week, he sent a letter home to the high school parents regarding information about the March 14 national walk out. Upon investigation it was determined that this letter was copied from another high school. The Somers Public Schools has high expectations for all staff and students. This lack of professional judgement is not what we expect from our school leaders. I have met with him and issued a reprimand as well as other disciplinary sanctions. Needless to say, I am extremely disappointed about this. Attached you will find a letter from the Somers High School Principal.

Respectfully, Brian P. Czapla

Photo Credit: Tim Jensen