Brewster ROTC Instructor Charged With Rape; Schools On Lockout

BREWSTER, NY — Brewster school officials have placed the district's schools on lockout Tuesday. Superintendent Valerie Henning-Piedmonte said they were concerned about media attention the day after the school Naval Sciences Instructor and marching band advisor was charged with rape.

Chief Christopher Vlanga, who is alleged to have had an affair with a student, was under arrest in Connecticut Monday awaiting extradition, the Putnam Sheriff's Office said.

Vlangas was a Naval Science Instructor in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. (NJROTC) Program at Brewster High School. The student is 16, police said.

Henning-Piedmonte, who told parents Oct. 19 about the allegations and investigation, said in a letter Monday that there would be no outside recess or physical education classes. A lockout, she said, is used to secure buildings and grounds during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside of the school.

She warned that lockouts could be periodically called if officials suspect the media may be in the vicinity.

The Brewster High School counseling team has been meeting regularly with students since the investigation began, she said; and counselors are available at other schools. They're using a process based on recent restorative justice training to have productive discussions about a difficult situation.

In addition, Henning-Piedmonte warned about social media.

"During situations such as this one, social media can become a platform for angry rants and personal attacks," she wrote. "In the wake of this news, some adult and student behaviors have been disappointing. We urge parents to discourage their children from engaging in malicious gossip in social media as our digital footprints never go away."

There's a 24-hour hotline coordinated with the district and Putnam County Sheriff's Department for anyone who has information to share on the ongoing investigation. The number is 845-808-4377.

SEE ALSO:

• 'Improper' Brewster High School Student-Staffer Relationship Under Investigation
  
• Brewster HS Band, ROTC Leader Faces Rape Charges