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Parent describes Jan. 1 break-in near Bayview Elementary; board to review safety communications
Summary
During public comment a parent described multiple attempted break-ins on Jan. 1 near Bayview Elementary and said police activity passed the school during morning drop-off; the board said it will add the incident to the safety-committee agenda and coordinate with police and the hospital.
A parent told the West Islip Union Free School District board that early on Jan. 1 a man attempted to break into multiple homes on Seabreeze Lane, across from Bayview Elementary and Bridges Academy, and that police activity and a later apprehension occurred as children were arriving at school.
"Wednesday, January 1, around 10PM, a middle aged man tried to break and enter into multiple homes on Seabreeze Lane...to our knowledge, the suspect was not arrested... 8 cop cars have passed Bayview elementary school, pre k children are going into the building, kids are at the bus stop, witnessed fathers in the community chasing this man on foot through yards," the parent said during public comment, asking for clearer communication and protocols when incidents occur near schools (SEG 461–492).
The parent said the suspect later was found on a neighbor’s lawn, appeared to be wearing hospital clothing, and that community members believe the person had repeated interactions with area hospitals. The commenter said they had contacted district administrators (naming Dr. Romanelli and Sean McLeavy) and attended a Southern County Police meeting to seek answers and future protections for children.
Dr. Romanelli told the board the district was aware of the situation and that Sean McAlevey was preparing a full report for the board and a debrief with the police department. "We remain aware of this once the suspect had already been apprehended," Dr. Romanelli said, adding the incident gives an opportunity to review lockdown protocols and internal communication (SEG 566–576). Board members said the safety committee will discuss the matter and consider sending a district representative to a scheduled meeting with the hospital and police.
Board members and the parent described the forthcoming community meeting with hospital and legislators at Good Sam on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.; the board committed to add the matter to its next safety-committee agenda for discussion and follow-up. The district did not announce specific changes to lockdown procedures at the public meeting.
