Residents urge air conditioning and discipline measures; board reads city unity pledge

During the public-comment period, Kieran Edmonson, a Waterside neighborhood resident, urged the board and appointed members to take steps for the upcoming school year including installing air conditioning in uncooled schools to prevent students from becoming overheated, boosting counseling and disciplinary measures, installing cameras where racial and ethnic slurs appear on walls, limiting cell-phone use to emergencies, and preserving Veterans Day as a school holiday.

Edmonson said, “our schools must not see our kids go sweaty, feeling fainted,” and recommended tightening device rules and expanding security and counseling supports for students.

Monica Twal spoke in person and used her three-minute allotment to condemn recent protests in Washington, D.C., which she described as vandalism and an “anti-American assault.” Her remarks invoked 9/11 remembrance and criticized what she described as an insufficient response from some community groups. Timekeeping staff cut her remarks short when her allotted time expired.

Earlier in the meeting, Secretary George read a City of Stamford unity pledge, which the board discussed and invited members who wished to do so to sign after the meeting. The pledge commits city officials and partners to condemn racism, bigotry, xenophobia and to foster an inclusive community where differences are celebrated.

Chair and board members thanked the public commentators and noted avenues for submitting written comments to the superintendent’s office for further review.