Granby Parent Voices Concern Over Student Safety

A Granby resident addressed the Granby Board of Education with concerns about student safety before a special meeting Wednesday night at the Granby Public Schools central office.

Terry Wright, a Granby resident and parent, commended school officials for their response to a recent incident at Wells Road Intermediate school while admonishing them for their response to an unrelated incident involving his daughter during the 2009-2010 academic year.

"I would applaud Dr. [Forlenza-] Bailey for taking the appropriate actions- following the law and the school policy to report these alleged incidents to ensure the safety of the students in her charge," Wright said.

Wright raised his concerns amidst a current investigation of several alleged incidents involving Granby substitute teacher Robert Klein.  Klein has been charged with two counts of risk of injury to a minor, two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and three counts of breach of peace.

"I've been at school board meetings for the past year- year and a half, asking you people to enforce the school policy that was in place at the time which was to call the police," Wright said.  

Superintendent Alan Addley and members of the board did not respond to Wright's accusations.  Wright did not elaborate on the incident or the individuals involved.

"The board and the school system take these matters very seriously," Addley said after the meeting concluded.  "We have been responsive to Mr. Wright's concerns."

Addley said he could not comment further on the subject as it was a matter involving the privacy of teachers and students.

The most recent incident has been referred to the Department of Children and Family Services and the Granby Police Department according to a letter to the parents of students at the Wells Road School by Superintendent Addley on March 28.

Robert Klein will appear for his arraignment Thursday at the Superior Court in Enfield.