School Officials and Police Answer Parent Questions at Middle School

“Although we’re angry and upset,” said Isaac E. Young Middle School parent Sue Taylor, “we really do have to come together.

More than 100 people—parents, teachers, and administrators—turned out to the IEYMS auditorium Wednesday night for a Q&A session hosted by the school’s PTA organization. New Rochelle Superintendent of Schools Richard Organisciak, Principal Anthony Bongo, and school board Vice President Chrisanne Petrone represented the school administration and Lt. Christopher Hearle represented the New Rochelle Police Department.

The panel fielded audience comments and questions related to the of former Jefferson Elementary School assistant principal Jose Martinez for more than an hour.

Bongo and Petrone read prepared statements copied in their entirety below.

Jose Martinez resigned from his position at Jefferson Elementary School March 14 citing health reasons, according to superintendent Richard Organisciak. On March 24, Martinez was arrested in Queens, NY, charged with second-degree criminal sexual act, an D felony.

Lt. Hearle said that Martinez had plead not guilty to the charge. Martinez is currently in Westchester County Jail and has not posted his assigned $500,000 bail. When asked about reports that Martinez had confessed during police interrogation, Hearle declined to comment.

At the outset of the meeting, Bongo disputed rumors he had prior knowledge of Martinez’s alleged sexual contact with a student. “Despite reports to the contrary, ,” said Bongo. “No contact or complaints from parents.”

Bongo said that “aside from what can only be characterized as routine complaints” he had not been told anything about possible sexual misdeeds by Martinez, a former administrative dean at Young, before his arrest.

Reactions to Bongo from parents were mixed. At least two parents questioned Bongo’s insistence he was unaware of the sexual allegations against Martinez before the March 25 arrest.  

“I am holding you responsible, you were in charge” said parent Kathy Marzullo to principal Anthony Bongo. “You should step down.” In response, several audience members grumbled in disapproval.

“I believe if Bongo knew what was going on, it would have stopped last year,” said parent Sabryna Drayton about the alleged abuse.

Parent Kim Pastellano asked Lt. Hearle to clarify the timeline of events related to the start of the criminal investigation. Hearle said that New Rochelle police received a criminal complaint against Martinez on March 23 and arrested him on March 24.

Pastellano also asked about Martinez’ prior employment. Superintendent Organisciak said that Martinez had previously been employed as an intern by the Chancellor of New York City. Organisciak also said that Martinez had submitted his letter of resignation, dated March 13, to Jefferson Elementary School Principal Kimmerly Nieves on March 14 citing “health reasons.”

Several parents also complained about the sparse communication from district and school administration following Martinez’ resignation and arrest two weeks later.

“This is a lesson we are all learning,” said Organisciak of the district’s lack of communication. “We will reflect on it and learn from it.”

Organisciak said that robo-calls were made to parents but some parents said they did not receive the automated messages. He said that all information was being posted to the school district Web site.

“Not all parents have a phone or internet,” a step-parent identifying himself as Ivan said. “I think a letter home would have been in order, you would have avoided a lot [of subsequent miscommunication].”

Patch was told by school officials the meeting at IEYMS and a similar meeting Monday at Jefferson Elementary were “closed door” and that press could not attend. After calls to school board President Sara Richmond, members of the press were allowed to attend the event.

Asked about the closed door policy, Superintendent Organisciak denied the press was ever barred from attending. “It was not closed,” he said. Then he defended the original exclusion. “A PTA meeting is at the invitation of the organization,” he said. “It is reasonable to assume it was closed.”

Statement of Isaac E. Young Middle School Principal Anthony Bongo
March 30, 2011

We come together tonight undoubtedly sharing the same profound
sense of shock and sadness at what allegedly took place here at Isaac
Young Middle School. I know we also share deep concern for the family
connected to this terrible event and for all the children struggling to
understand this very difficult and troubling situation. As we try to
begin the collective process of understanding and healing, I know it
will not be easy and it will be a long journey for all of us. Please know
that the safety and well-being of your children has always been and will
remain the number one priority for myself and the entire faculty and
staff here at Isaac Young. With significant help from the District, we
will continue to support both the students and parents with counseling
services and any other resources that might be necessary.

Aside from what can only be categorized as routine complaints, not
unlike those I receive about other staff and teachers, it is important that
you understand that contrary to what has been reported, there were no
formal complaints in the Isaac Young community that indicated Mr.
Martinez was capable of this type of alleged behavior. By no means do
I seek to dismiss the feelings of anger and resentment that surround
this situation. As the leader of Isaac Young Middle School, I both
understand and accept that. Whether it be stronger communication,
a comprehensive review of policies or simply a renewed sense of
commitment to our overall mission as parents, educators and protectors
of children, my sincere hope is that we can all work together to move
forward from this difficult time.

Thank you.


Statement of the Board of Education of the City School District of New Rochelle
Statement read by Chrisanne Petrone, Vice President
March 30, 2011

Good evening.  I would like to take this opportunity to give a brief statement on behalf of the Board of Education. By now, most if not all of you are aware of the arrest of one of our former administrators, Mr. Jose Martinez, who has been accused of one of the most horrific acts imaginable.  

We know there are many emotions that our community is struggling with at this point and we on the board share in the feelings of shock, sadness and betrayal that these allegations cause.   

This is an on-going law enforcement investigation, and we will continue to cooperate and provide ALL information that we have or may receive to the appropriate law enforcement officials. We implore those with any information whatsoever that may bear on this crime to do the same.  

Despite reports to the contrary, the board wants to assure the community that we had NO knowledge of the circumstances reported by law enforcement prior to our notification of Mr. Martinez’s arrest last week.  

No board member was ever contacted by any parent of the alleged victim or any individual with any complaints of this nature against this administrator either prior to his arrest or up to the present time. As parents, community members and elected officials, the board has no interest in protecting any individual who may have attempted to cover up the commission of a crime against any of our children.  

In the spirit of moving forward and rebuilding, we will continue to provide support services for any students, staff or family members for as long as they may need it. We also are members of the community and so, as we see you in the supermarkets, churches, synagogues, and athletic fields of New Rochelle, please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings about what we can all agree has been a deep betrayal.  

Of course, an incident such as this, while isolated must prompt a review of all our policies relating to ensuring the safest environment we can for all the children of New Rochelle. For all the energy we as a board expend year round on budgets and curriculum, our primary objective always is and must be that every child must have a safe and nurturing environment in which to learn and to grow. We know that this is also the common objective of the employees and staff members of the School District of New Rochelle.  

We are also keenly aware of the need to provide guidance to the parents of children affected by this situation as they seek to explain these alleged crimes to children, some as young as kindergarten age. This is a task that none of us would have expected to undertake but we are committed to utilizing whatever resources are necessary to support parents at this very difficult time.  

On a personal note, being a parent of an eighth grader here at Isaac, this has been an especially difficult, troubling and emotional time. My family will need to begin the process of healing and understanding as I know each and everyone of us must do for the benefit of our children.    

In closing, I offer a sentiment expressed by a wise parent Monday night at the Jefferson School, she said “We cannot let the alleged actions of one individual, tarnish the reputation of the thousands of concerned and dedicated professionals who are committed to the children of New Rochelle every day.”  Thank you.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY NRPD
March 25, 2011
Statement by New Rochelle Police Department
Deputy Police Commissioner Anthony Murphy
Last night (1900 hrs. March 24) New Rochelle Police Detectives, investigating a complaint that a former New Rochelle school district official had engaged in criminal sexual acts with a 14-year-old New Rochelle school district student, arrested Mr. Jose Martinez, age 38, 205 Elliot Street, Brentwood, NY.
Mr. Martinez, a former administrative dean at Isaac E. Young Middle School, is alleged to have engaged in an ongoing course of sexual misconduct with the male student over a period of time extending from March or April 2010 through June 2010. The conduct is alleged to have occurred in Mr. Martinez’ office at the school.

Mr. Martinez was located and taken into custody at his residence in Brentwood and returned to New Rochelle. He has been charged with Criminal Sexual Act in the Second Degree (D/Felony).

Statement from Richard Organisciak, Superintendent of Schools
March 25, 2011
We are deeply concerned about the allegations that have been made against Assistant Principal, Jose Martinez. The safety and welfare of our students remains our priority.

Mr. Martinez was hired by the district in 2007 as Administrative Dean at Isaac E. Young Middle School. He was provided with clearance to work in the school district after passing the normal State criminal fingerprinting check. There had been no record of complaints from students or staff about Mr. Martinez.

Mr. Martinez became Assistant Principal of Jefferson Elementary School in September of this past year. He abruptly resigned as an employee of the New Rochelle School District on March 11th.

The district is fully cooperating with the New Rochelle Police Department as it investigates this very serious matter. All questions related to the investigation should be directed to the New Rochelle Police. The District will also be conducting our own internal investigation.

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