Parents demand transparency after Case Middle School art materials; board approves paid administrative leave

Members of the public pressed the Watertown City School District Board of Education on student safety and transparency after parents said students at Case Middle School were exposed to sexually explicit images shown in an art class.

At the board’s Oct. meeting, several speakers described middle-school students as uncomfortable and shaken after classroom material they said was inappropriate for 11- and 12-year-olds was shown over several weeks. “Parents and students deserve to know what review and approval processes were in place for this material,” said Jesse Roberts, a resident, who reminded the board of the oath each member took to protect students.

The parents’ calls for accountability included a specific demand for termination. “Administrative leave is a temporary measure used to pause or investigate, but the facts are here,” said Stephanie Boyanski, who identified herself as a parent of students in the district. “This is a line that must not be crossed when it comes to safety, dignity, and psychological…