The James Logan Courier

By Bethany Stringer, Courier Publications Editor

Tensions were high as the district office filled with various parents, staff members, teachers and administrators gathering Tuesday for the first School Board meeting since the murder James Logan freshman Vernon Eddins, who died on the doorstep of Barnard-White Middle School last month.


An ominous gloom hung in the air, conversations were held in hushed tones and few smiles were seen as the crowd waited for the school board members to emerge from closed session.

The open session of the school board meeting began with the recognition of Hope Connections for their continued success in helping those in need. A former student as well as the current Vice President of the club stood and spoke on the club’s achievements and was followed by the recognition of all who had contributed to Hope Connections. It seemed for a moment that the former dark mood was to be dispelled.

However, the somberness returned as first one parent rose to speak on the issue of safety at schools and then Mrs. Karen Yifru came forward. She informed all in attendance of an upcoming meeting of the Youth Violence Prevention Coalition, to be held on the 29th of January at the Ruggieri Senior Center. She also spoke as a parent who suffered from a loss much like the one that Vernon Eddin’s parents now suffer from. Her son, Biniam Yifru, murdered last June at a graduation party in the home of a New Haven administrator.

This set the tone for the remainder of the meeting.

The first item on the agenda was on the fatal shooting of Eddins. Chief Greg Stewart gave a report on the status of the investigations, which are still active. Unfortunately, not much information was released in order to maintain the integrity of the case. This was followed by a speech by New Haven Superintendent Dr. Pat Jaurequi. She conveyed her regrets that such a terrible thing happened and also referred to actions currently taken to maintain the safety of all New Haven students.

Four members of the audience spoke on this issue as well, calling for a rise to action from parents, staff and administrators. After their comments were heard, the school board members held a discussion on the issue in front of the entire audience. Suggestions for further safety were made, and some existing suggestions were brought up, including closing many of the various 32 points of entry into Logan during school hours.

Logan's representative on the school board, senior Harris Mojadeddi, offered his condolences to the family on behalf of the Logan student body.

After over an hour of discussion on this topic, a recess was called. When the meeting was reconvened, the room was considerably emptier. The remaining items, including reports on a new test used to determine a child’s reading skills, passed rather quickly. Dr. Jarequi did mention the recent budget cuts made by the governor, but stated that this matter would be discussed at the next meeting.

The next school board meeting will take place on February 5th, at the New Haven District Office. Open session will begin at 7:30.