Staff Reports
A former employee of the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development Afterschool Program at Astor Collegiate Academy in the Bronx was found to have brought metal knuckles onto school grounds and placed them in a student’s backpack. Instead of facing severe consequences for this reckless act, the employee was let off easy, and the school administrators failed to report the incident promptly, according to a report obtained by Chalkboard News.
Bronx school administrators were silent on illegal weapon placed in student backpackhttps://t.co/8pKjkjUmyd
— The Center Square (@thecentersquare) April 24, 2024
The employee, Jonathan Berenguer, initially claimed that the knuckles had accidentally fallen into the student’s backpack, but later confessed that he deliberately placed them there. This is a serious offense, as carrying metal knuckles is illegal in New York State. It’s deeply concerning that someone entrusted with the care and supervision of students would commit such an egregious act.
Berenguer’s excuses for bringing the weapon to the school, citing threats on his life and a stolen car, are absolutely no justification for endangering the lives of students. Furthermore, the failure of the school administrators, Principal Sandra Burgos and assistant principal Vincent Agostinelli, to report the incident in a timely manner is extremely irresponsible. Their lack of prompt action is a clear violation of their role as mandated reporters, and they too should face consequences for their negligence.
It is unacceptable that these administrators have not faced significant disciplinary action for their inaction. The safety and well-being of students should always be the top priority in any educational institution, and those who fail to uphold this responsibility must be held accountable.
Unfortunately, it appears that the school district is not taking this matter seriously enough. While the spokesperson for the NYC Department of Education claimed that the findings have been reviewed and responded to by the Superintendent, the lack of specific information regarding the disciplinary action taken against the administrators is deeply concerning.
The safety and security of our students should never be compromised, and it is crucial that those responsible for such reckless behavior are held to account. The well-being of our children must always come first, and it is essential that swift and decisive action is taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
