There's a new interim administration at Derby Middle School two weeks after a bomb threat was found written on a girls' bathroom wall Nov. 17, prompting parents to voice concerns about how the school responded. Now, parents have a lot of questions.
Arnold Frank is stepping in as principal, according to the school's website.
"This decision provides us the ability, as a community, to give due diligence to the process and selection of the right team to lead the middle school into the foreseeable future," the website states.
But that's all parents know.
“I don't know why they did the changes. Was it because of the bomb threat? Who knows,” said DiCarlo.
A day after the bomb threat, classes were canceled while authorities swept the school as a precaution. Parents expressed their anger and outrage over the fact that the students were kept inside, not dismissed and that parents weren't notified.
“I really think they handled it poorly," said Colleen Hooks, back on Nov. 18.
Local
“The kids are scared. They're being locked up, not really knowing what's going on. My son did text us. He's at the high school across the street, and they were in lockdown as well,” said Rich DiCarlo, a Derby parent.
Rich DiCarlo does think the school leaders at that time acted with the caution needed.
Parents have questions, including what can be expected from this new interim administration. But some in the community say the change was needed.
“A lot has to be changed in Derby. I've lived in Derby my whole life, and I'm 75. Is that telling you something?” said Toni Tillquist.
School officials did not return calls from NBC Connecticut.
The interim principal was meeting with parents Thursday at the school.
