To the Editor:
The response of SAD 17 to arrest Aranka Matolcsy, the mother of a disabled child, instead of offering intervention, was inappropriate. This is deeply disappointing and disturbing to us as taxpayers, former students, and parents of students.
Ms. Matolcsy’s son has been bullied on the bus. She repeatedly expressed the “inability” to transport her son, and was in “desperation” for transportation (1/17/23 Sun Journal). This bully had been previously separated from her son. All she’s wanted is to advocate for her son’s safety. We’re sure she would likewise advocate for the right of everyone to be safe.
We can’t believe she literally meant to drive into the school building. She was asking rhetorically what would it take to get a response to their situation. This caring mother is on the board of a Maine organization for people with disabilities, and has a long history of public service on behalf of students and teachers.
We suggest a policy that will ensure parents are provided support and positive interventions, so no one is criminalized when asking for help. A parent who has expressed being in crisis, because their child is unsafe in district custody, should be invited in to talk about solutions. We would like to see mediation so the school allows her to have contact with school personnel again and she’s able to transport Colby to/from school.
We encourage your readers to contact our hard-working volunteer school board with their opinions.
Patricia Suzanne, Nikki Millonzi, Ken Morse, Rebecca Minichiello, Norway
Cyndy Tinsley, West Paris
Patrice Griffin, Mindy Stewart, Amanda Therrien, Otisfield
Brian Hemingway, Carly Sauro, Heather Travers, South Paris
Lisa Moore, Harrison
Jane Chandler, Emily Ecker, Marcel Polak, Bryant Pond
Greg Casavola, Raymond
Lillian Dagneau, Marcel Dagneau, Northport
Pam Montanaro, San Francisco, CA
Philip Keith and Sandra Keith, Burke, VA
Karen Hight, Topeka, KS
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