Town of Huntington Brings Media to Jack Abrams, Superintendent Addresses Issue

(Read Superintendent of Schools James Polansky’s letter to the Town of Huntington and the Town’s response letter at the bottom of the article.)

Several media crews were reportedly granted permission by the Town of Huntington to film on the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School campus on Monday, Aug. 10, which, according to Superintendent of Schools James Polansky, was without the permission of the Huntington School District.

Following the incident, Superintendent of Schools James Polansky sent a letter, which is now public access, to the Town of Huntington to address the alleged lack of communication.

Polansky said the Town was intrusive and even violated the facility use agreement between the Huntington School District and the Town of Huntington.

Polansky wrote: “The fact that Town officials elected to invite reporters onto our campus without my or the Board of Education’s knowledge or consent is beyond troublesome and simply disrespectful.”

But Town of Huntington public information officer A.J. Carter said there were no parents who were troubled and he settled the issue with Polansky on site that day.

The Project Play program at Jack Abrams is run by the Town and all parents with children in the program signed a release so they know their children could be photographed, Carter said.

On Aug. 10, Huntington High School graduate Chris Strub went to visit Project Play. Strub, who began a mission on May 15 to visit youth programs in all 50 states in 100 days, invited members of the media to cover him returning to his alma mater while he spoke with the campers and played games with them.

“It was a controlled situation in a Town-run camp under the supervision of the Town Board,” Carter said.

Although the program was run by the Town, Carter said he spoke to the Superintendent and apologised. Carter said the Town would be more mindful about these situations in the future.

Read letters from both sides below:

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August 11, 2015

Dear Mr. Carter,

This letter follows our conversation regarding the permission you unilaterally provided to several media crews with respect to filming on the campus of the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School on Monday, August 10. As we discussed after the fact, we can certainly appreciate the desire to highlight the accomplishments of an outstanding young man and his family, but said permission was not yours to give.

We have enjoyed hosting the Project Play program over the past several summers. The campers and staff have treated this building like their summer home, which we genuinely appreciate. Nonetheless, the fact that Town officials elected to invite reporters onto our campus without my or the Board of Education’s knowledge or consent is beyond troublesome and simply disrespectful. The fact that media staff were traveling throughout the building indiscriminately on the date in question, taking photographs and recording video, is not only intrusive but a violation of the facility use agreement that exists between the Huntington School District and the Town of Huntington. Furthermore, I don’t think

you would appreciate our inviting the media to Town Hall without your authorization.

While we have welcomed opportunities to partner with the Town, particularly when it comes to the children and families we serve, it is unfortunate that you had to be reminded, once again, to communicate in advance something as important as media presence. As mentioned, we share your pride in the commitment demonstrated by the featured individual and also did not wish to embarrass the Town. Please note, however, that should this happen again, the media will be directed to leave without hesitation or question.

I trust that you will give this type of situation a second thought moving forward.

Sincerely,

James W. Polansky

Superintendent of Schools

cc: Board of Education

Supervisor Frank Petrone

Town Council Members

Jo-Ann Raia, Town Clerk

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August 21, 2015

Dear Superintendent Polansky:

I must say that I am surprised to have received your letter of August 11, 2015 referring to the visit Chris Strub made to the Town’s Project Play camp. I thought that we had fully discussed and resolved your concerns on-site that day, including the fact that Mr. Strub had done many of his own media invitations. I also thought we had reached an understanding about procedures going forward. Please do no hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Very truly yours,

A.J. Carter

Public Information Officer

• Image of Chris Strub visiting Project Play via Town of Huntington