Write, Don't Walk For School Safety, Central Superintendent Says

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Central Regional Superintendent Trintafillos Parlapanides is asking students and others to write to federal and state legislators about school safety, instead of demonstrating.

Some Central students have discussed participating in walk-out events on March 14 and April 20, which puts them at risk and takes away from education, Parlapanides said.

"We are encouraging all students, parents and friends to write to our elected officials and if they don't bring around effective changes to better protect our students, we will work to vote them out," he told Patch. The vote is the most powerful weapon we have as citizens."

Parlapanides said some students had discussed taking part in "walk-outs" on several dates, but peppering legislators with letters might get more results, he said.

"School safety is the number one concern for all schools and at Central Regional, we are always looking to improve procedures in order to be prepared for any kind of emergency event," he wrote on the district website.

He asks that anyone with concerns or questions either call him at 732-269-1100, ext. 206 or email him at tparlapanides@centralregional.net.

For a list of federal and state elected officials, click here.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller