Unity urged after shooting incident near high school

Four Republican BOE Members Call For Early Buyout Of Retiring Superintendent

By John McNamara

Leaders of “Ice the Beef” (ITB), a regional anti violence and youth empowerment group, gathered with several residents and educators at New Britain High School (NBHS) on Sunday calling for an end to divisiveness and new actions that will reduce violence involving urban youth in the community.

The re-scheduled event sprung from a February 8th drive-by shooting near NBHS when a 16 year old student was shot in the middle of the day walking back to the high school from a nearby convenience store. He was treated and did not sustain critical injuries as New Britain Police continue their investigation of the incident. Other incidents and disruptions have occurred this school year when in-person classes resumed following the lifting of social distancing because of the pandemic.

The nonprofit ITB, launched in New Haven in 2012, is branching out into other communities including Waterbury, Meriden, Middletown and New Britain to promote youth empowerment and anti-violence work. Its activities are grassroots and street savvy as members seek interventions that move young people away from a cycle of violence and the pervasiveness of guns.

ITB President Chaz Carmon said his organization is here and in other communities to start “a tiny ripple” bringing hope, healing and the putting down of guns that have cut so many young lives short. Carmon introduced New Britain native Alfred Williams who is ITB area vice president. Williams, the grandson of former City Alderwoman Shirley Black, said he is ready to work with students, parents and residents to reduce gun violence and collaborate with city organizations on holding peace rallies, providing mentors and peer support. Carmon and Williams were joined by Manny Camacho, 17, of New Haven who is ITB Youth President.

Last week a group of New Britain teachers staged an early morning protest before entering the high school over disruptions and lockdowns that have occurred this year.

Four Republican members of the 10-member Board of Education have petitioned for a special meeting this week to consider a “buyout” of Superintendent’s Sarra’s contract, replacing her with an interim superintendent before her scheduled retirement date this summer. Other BOE members oppose a buyout as the search for a new Superintendent begins. Sarra’s supporters attribute the move to scapegoating and claim her early departure will be counterproductive to school safety and a smooth transition to a new superintendent. Relations between the BOE and Mayor Erin Stewart have been contentious for some time (New Britain ranks near the bottom in local aid to education). Aside from the debate about budgets, Stewart is seeking more more power and influence over the autonomous BOE.

In the latest response to the incidents in and outside the school, Superintendent Sarra stated: “CSDNB remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff. We are on the side of safety as well. Through our ESSSER funding, we have added multiple staff members at New Britain High School, and all other schools, to ensure the safety of all New Britain staff and students.” 

“We have been working closely with the police department through ongoing communication to ensure there is extra police presence at our buildings. The instances that happened last week occurred off school property. It is a community wide problem. CSDNB continues to be willing to work with teachers, staff, students, board of education members and city leaders to find community solutions and ensure safety for all.”