Dear Penfield Families, 

I want to provide an important update regarding upcoming Board of Education meetings and the measures we are taking to ensure the safety and well-being of our District community. 

Since the February Board of Education meeting, Board members and I have received approximately 200 messages through various channels, including email, the District’s “Contact Us” form, phone calls, and traditional mail. Our legal counsel reviewed 84 messages submitted via the “Contact Us” form addressing the Board and Superintendent, and three forwarded voicemails. The findings are as follows: 

• A majority of the 84 messages were concerning, with 27 containing threatening language. 

• Seven threatening emails were directed to the Board of Education. 

• “Dr. Potter seems to be the recipient of much of the vitriol, some of which appears to be racially motivated. Three threatening emails were sent to Dr. Potter directly.” 

• Three particularly disturbing voicemails were left at the District Office. 

The language used in these messages has been discriminatory, racist, homophobic, and outright inappropriate. This kind of behavior is unacceptable in any community, especially one that strives to be safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. 

In light of these threats, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings on March 4 and March 18, 2025. The Board will reconvene on April 8, 2025, with enhanced safety protocols in place. These measures will include the hiring of a Safety and Security Coordinator, additional school security services, and continued collaboration with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, who will maintain a presence on our campuses. We will also be reviewing policies related to Board governance and school safety. 

Additionally, we regret to inform you that student participation in Board meetings will be suspended for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year. While our students have been a highlight of Board meetings this year, the increased security concerns with larger adult audiences require us to take this step. However, I will work closely with our principals to ensure that we continue to highlight and celebrate our students in other meaningful ways. 

While these measures are necessary, they are not taken lightly. The safety and well-being of our community are our top priorities, and we must work together to ensure that District remains a place of respect, safety, and inclusivity. 

Though the March meetings are canceled, the Board of Education continues to value community input and remains committed to listening to your concerns. Please feel free to share your thoughts with all Board members by emailing boepublic@PenfieldSchools.onmicrosoft.com. 

Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to navigate these challenging times together. 

Sincerely,

Tasha Potter, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools