110 W. New York Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
386-734-4622
BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
Woodward Avenue Elementary School
By Pat Andrews
posted Nov 29, 2012 - 2:09:45pm
UPDATED 2:50 P.M. — Woodward Avenue Elementary School at 1201 S. Woodward Ave. in southwest DeLand locked down briefly this morning, after a parent and teacher got into an argument.
Volusia County Sheriff's Office spokesman Brandon Haught reported dispatchers received a call at 7:58 this morning from the school, reporting that a parent got into a verbal dispute with a teacher.
The parent initially was in a school hallway, "a little out of control, yelling and making threats," and school officials wanted to shield students from that, Volusia County Schools spokeswoman Nancy Wait said.
The parent left, then called dispatch "wanting to talk to a deputy about problems he's having with the school," Haught said.
Next, the school called back to report that the parent showed up again, and was pacing outside the school's gate, causing a problem.
That's when the school went on lockdown, around 9 a.m., as a precaution, according to a staff member in the office of Principal Torrence Broxton. A ConnectEd robocall went out to parents to notify them of the situation.
Two deputies went to the school and talked to the parent, who then left. No arrest was made.
One parent told The Beacon the ConnectEd call was not received until 12:30 p.m., though, by then, all was calm, according to school staff.
The Beacon will report more information as it becomes available.
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That's really the only way to ultimately solving most any problem -- turning to law enforcement is a sign you've failed.
You set up an appt. first. If that does not work, then try to speak with the principal. If that does not work call press conference in front of the school and air your grievance. But for God sakes, you don't call police!
For all we know he could have been telling off a staff member due to a bullying issue and their lack of dealing with it, and the threats could have been something innocuous like " I'll make sure the school board hears about this and I'll make sure I get you fired." or something like that.
The man was obviously peeved, and when it comes to your kids and you feel helpless I can understand.
Probably not so much harassing staff as being frustrated that they ignore parents (you know, the taxpaying citizens who they WORK FOR).
You did see the part where:
"The parent left, then called dispatch "wanting to talk to a deputy about problems he's having with the school," Haught said."
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