In the story, the PR firm claims that "the district has taken steps to create an atmosphere where students feel more protected in their surroundings." It is further claimed that, "The security staff’s presence and diligence has grown, due in part to the training and workshops facilitated by the Freeport Police Department." Students interviewed don’t feel safe in the high school. They feel frustrated and rejected by those who are in decision-making positions. They feel High School security has never been worse. The students claim that security guards have been heard cursing at the students.

In the PR release, Superintendent Moffett stated that, "Students must be safe and feel safe in order to learn in a school environment. All of our efforts, along with the extra vigilance on all parts of staff, administration, and faculty, will keep students as safe as possible." Residents were furious that hours before the December 15th School Board meeting, Superintendent Moffett became ill and was unable to attend the Board meeting and answer their questions.

At the December 15th Board meeting, it was pointed out to Board VP, Al Renken, that at Apollo night at the high school, the Principal allowed smoking on school grounds, which is contrary to State law. Dr. Renken said he would investigate. Later in the evening, while addressing the Board, a high school student when asked by a member of the audience if there was smoking at the HS during Apollo night said, "Are you kidding, of course there was. Everybody knows that."

School press releases to the contrary, the HS campus is not closed. In September all 9th and 10th grade students had to stay inside during their lunch period. Now, these students go out to lunch on a daily basis. There are no security checks as they leave the campus. The newly instituted closed campus policy is being ignored.

The PR release claims that, "The security staff’s presence and diligence has grown, due in part to the training and workshops facilitated by the Freeport Police Department." Students have complained that some of the security guards are asking them for their phone numbers. It appears that many of the security guards at the HS are between 19 and 22 years old. The district has not advised the community where the security guards receive their training. Security guards have been seen in the weight room during the school day. Last week, a security guard was heard making negative comments to a visiting girl’s junior varsity basketball team. All of the security guards are not yet New York State certified. In the Press Release, Dr. Northover, the Principal of the HS "praised the security staff for not only being effective protectors of the school, but for being trusted individuals which students often rely upon during times of crisis."

In a meeting arranged to discuss school security and attended by both Superintendent of Schools Josephine Moffett and Assistant Superintendent Ciaglia, Principal Northover stated, "If I don’t see a problem, I don’t have to do anything about it." Later in the meeting Dr. Ciaglia looked at me and said, "Ms. Andorfer, if you’re so concerned about security, go do it yourself."

Dr. Northover, the principal of the High School claims that, "We have implemented an automated calling machine which reports student lateness and absenteeism to parents. Our goal is to notify parents so that they can continue to be actively engaged in helping their youngsters avoid unfavorable activities." FreeportNYNews has found out that the implementation of an automated calling machine that reports student lateness and absenteeism to parents has been completely ineffective. Sources in the attendance office claim the system does not work. Parents don’t call back. Apparently, the children arrive home and erase the messages. Parents are not being called at work. Student absenteeism is up 10% from last year. School Principal Northover and the school administration are not enforcing to district’s policy on class cutting. There is an unofficial policy at the HS that does not allow the staff in the attendance office to disturb classes in progress, with the result that if a parent calls the HS attendance office to inquire if their child came to school, the attendance office can’t go to that room to see if the child actually came to school.

Students, parents and community members complain that the Superintendent, the Board of Education and Principal Northover infrequently respond to questions. There is a growing feeling in the community that those in charge just don’t care. Parents are at a loss to explain the recent events in the school community and the confusion and lack of morale in the High School.

The Press Release concludes with, "Freeport School District’s security staff, faculty, administrators, concerned parents, and conscientious students are all contributing to the improved safety in every Freeport school." The consensus in the district seems to be just the opposite. The student addressing the Board on December 15th, when talking about HS security looked at the Board and said, "It’s a joke."