Man these wackos are everywhere. WTF??

Dear Dr. Lonoconus,

Nice to know that the "rigorous" screening process in place at GVSD has prevented any real threats to our children. Thank God only an upstanding guy like Lewis has slipped through the stringent interview process, and not someone who could do real harm to our kids. After all, what's the big deal about indecent exposure and endangering the welfare of children? I'm sure Lewis has lived the life of an altar boy since the incidents in 2006 and 2007, and has probably not committed any deviant acts since then. I am at peace with the fact that this deviant was roaming the halls of our elementary schools. I am certain that he was a true professional, and only exposed his genitals and endangered non-GVSD students, during non-working hours. Thanks for the letter, Dr. Lonoconus. I'm sure the rest of the Great Valley parents feel the way I do, unalarmed and informed.

This is completely unnerving! "Upon advice of counsel, we cannot comment on the details of the charges, except to say that they are in no way related to any conduct or behavior involving the Great Valley School District." How in the world is it that they cannot inform us of what the charges were considering these charges are public record and related to children. Especially since he worked in elementary schools! My son attended 2 of these schools during the time of the 'incidents'. AND, just because the charges aren't related to any GVSD children, it doesn't mean that there wasn't inappropriate contact with GVSD children that hasn't been discovered yet! I suggest all parents speak with their children to make sure that they were not in contact with this man.

Dave,
I believe all potential employees are screened very rigously. If these acts were committed after the intial screening process, before this wacko was hired, then they would not raise the red flag. At least that is my understanding of the process.
John

The issue that now needs to be discussed is that the school district knew Lewis was under investigation for child molestation before school started but allowed him to return to work in the schools.

I became aware of the issue with Lewis in July. The state police investigator I spoke to told me they were in contact with the school, his computer had been confiscated, etc. I called Dr. Schneck the Principal at Sugartown in August to ensure he would not be at the school when it opened for the year. She was aware of the situation but couldn’t say if he would or would not be at the school. She contacted the district and informed me they had decided to put Lewis on leave before school started. Unfortunately, the case didn’t move along fast enough, and when charges were not immediately brought forth, Lewis was allowed back in the school.

I called Dr. Lonoconus the Superintendent directly in October to demand Lewis not be allowed back. Lonoconus said the attorneys for the school suggested he should stay pending formal charges. I was upset but he (and Dr. Schneck previously) assured me he would not be unsupervised around the kids. Knowing that the state police were working on the case, I waited, expecting charges would soon be brought.

[continued]

Last week I was at Sugartown and observed Mr. Lewis at the school, in the halls unsupervised, along with other unsupervised kids. Shocked, I wrote an email to the entire school board, superintendent, principals, and PTO leaders on 12/13 asking for immediate action, and we got it two days later. It should never have required this much effort.

It is just common sense that a school should not allow people under investigation of a crime like child molestation to continue working in the schools. This was a huge mistake with a chance for a disastrous outcome. In fact we don’t know if another incident has occurred, and perhaps on school grounds this time, but the school has created a situation in which that could have occurred. This is unbelievable and reckless behavior from the officials we trust with the safety of our kids during the school day.

As parents, we should be asking, who allowed this and what are the ramifications for that decision, and what will be done differently next time.

I couldn't agree more with Brad. I am disgusted by "professionals"--- the GVSD attorneys who continually advised Dr Loconus to keep Lewis working in the schools. When I spoke with Dr Loconus in Oct about this he simply repeated that he appreciated my concern, but was advised by legal counsel to keep Lewis in the school (I suggested admin leave, at the least). When we put the "rights" of adults accused of sexual misconduct with children above the rights of children we need to seriously question our system!

Amen to Brad's comments as well. The school district attorneys who advised them to allow him back in school should be held to account for their advice in front of the school board. If they can't justify their actions (how could they?) then they should be terminated immediately!!!!

I was just contacted by one of the other parents at Sugartown and as a parent of a student in Sugartown, I would like to know if you Brad have received a response as to why and who allowed this man into our school after he was arrested? I'm absolutely speechless & furious right now. We as parents need ID to enter that building but a man that has been arrested for child molestation was allowed to walk through the doors of Sugartown through the main office? The women in the office feel this was acceptable to allow him in the doors without hesitation?? I'm furious over this and I want answers immediately. This is suppose to be one of the best school districts in PA but a man that has been arrested for child molestation can walk the halls with our children. There is so much wrong with this I don't even know where begin. I'm furious!!!!

I can not believe Sugartown actually allowed this person to walk any where on there property. Every time I look at my child I get extremly upset that the people I entrust with my daughters safety have no common sense or any serious regard for my childs every day well fair. Seems to me that the GVSD is going in the wrong direction and a change is needed.

A special meeting of the school board will be held tonight at 7pm at the General Wayne Elementary School auditorium. If you have kids in any of the GVSD schools, you'll want to be there. The school board has promised to answer questions about this situation.

devon1,
this was a great district until about 2 years ago and the school board starting cutting positions left and right. glad our kids made it though with the old regime.