Suffern parents address unapproved book controversy at board meeting

Superintendent P. Erik Gundersen said the district is trying to figure out the best way to move forward and make all students feel safe.

Jade Nash

Oct 23, 2024, 8:54 AM

Updated 10 days ago

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Many parents showed up to a Suffern Central School District board meeting on Tuesday to speak about a book that was allegedly read to some students that wasn't part of the curriculum.
The book in question is called "Something Happened in our Town."
Information online said the book is a children's story that follows one white family and one Black family as they talk about a police shooting of a Black man.
News 12 was told that a counselor read this book to some students at an elementary school earlier in the month.
Parents said the matter is causing controversy within the district.
The district issued an apology and launched an investigation.
People from all backgrounds shared their perspective about the issue at the meeting including parents, a police chief and a student.
Superintendent P. Erik Gundersen said the district is trying to figure out the best way to move forward and make all students feel safe.
He said they want to have additional conversations and also host forums with parents in the future.