Stratford High School Student Expelled After Incident With Knife

The clear message recently delivered to one Stratford High School student was this: be prepared to suffer the consequences if you come to school with a weapon of any kind. 

The student, an 18-year-old male, and a senior, was expelled effective in mid-January by vote of the Stratford Board of Education after Superintendent of Schools Irene Cornish recommended that he be expelled “for the reason that [he] had engaged in conduct which was seriously disruptive of the educational process, endangered persons or property, and violated a publicized policy of the Stratford Board of Education.” 

Specifically, according to school meeting minutes, “On Dec. 6, 2010, the student was in possession of a weapon (specifically a knife) at Stratford High School during school hours, on school grounds … On Dec. 6, the student was in an altercation with two other students where one of the students alleged that he received a wound and torn clothing as a result of the knife. 

“Additionally, the student in question was placed under arrest for aggravated assault … [and] was suspended from school on Dec. 7 for a period of 10 days, and was given a discipline hearing by Supt. Cornish on Dec.13, at which time the student was given an opportunity to explain the situation.” 

“The parents of the student were notified of the hearing date and of their child’s rights pertaining at the discipline hearing on Dec. 13.” 

After that Dec. 13 hearing by the superintendent, the matter was noticed and scheduled to come before the board on Jan. 10, where an “opportunity was provided for the student and his parents to present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments on his behalf.” 

The school system was represented by Supt. Cornish and Joseph Crapanzano, assistant principal of Stratford High School. The student and his mother were present. 

Based on the record of evidence and all available testimony, the board voted on Jan. 10 that “effective immediately, student … is expelled as a student in the Stratford Public Schools for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year. 

“The student is restricted from participating in any school-sponsored activity on or off school grounds, and from appearing on school grounds for any reason during the period of expulsion.

“Also, the student may not participate in any senior activities and may not participate in graduation ceremonies.” 

In addition, “The Board will not provide the student with an alternative educational opportunity. However, he may have access to a guidance counselor at Stratford High School during the period of expulsion provided that the student follows all rules and procedures of the Stratford Public Schools, and may seek extra help from teachers at Stratford High School after school or at the public library so that he may successfully complete his course work and graduate.” 

While that decision may sound harsh to some, the safety of students and staff at all our local schools is a huge responsibility and priority. Based on clearly established guidelines of conduct, educators made the only decision they could.