The Croton-Harmon Board of Education held its final regular meeting of 2024 on Thursday, December 5, facing a packed room of community members ready to voice concerns over student safety, district culture, and administrative transparency. While the board opened with routine procedural matters, the tone shifted quickly during the "Hearing of the Public" session. A board member thanked the community for their attendance and service, noting the significance of the final meeting of the year before moving immediately into public comments. {{quote:11}} The majority of the nearly hour-long public comment period was dominated by two distinct issues: the district’s handling of anti-Semitism and the internal culture of the high school’s girls’ volleyball program. **Calls for Action on Anti-Semitism** Michelle Minov, a parent and resident at 17 Blauvelt, addressed the board first, speaking on behalf of families concerned about anti-Semitism in the district. Minov referenced a recent meeting hosted by PASSA (Parents and Students for Anti-Semitism Awareness in Croton Schools), which Superintendent Brendan Walker attended. Minov detailed a series of troubling allegations regarding the treatment of Jewish students, ranging from the scheduling of assignments on Jewish High Holy Days to more severe incidents of bullying. "Pennies are tossed at Jewish students as jokes. Students are evacuated because of threats to the synagogue that houses them. Swastikas are scrawled in bathrooms and on water fountains. Students are told to wear gold stars by their classmates, but again, they're just kidding," Minov told the board. {{quote:240}} Minov argued that the administration’s current approach—focused on listening rather than systemic action—was insufficient. She expressed frustration that past incidents, including a "complicated and hurtful culture night" in May 2024, were often missing from official communications, making it difficult to track patterns. "We urge you to consider detailed recommendations and deliver a plan that educates the district and puts students first," Minov said. {{quote:390}} Jeremy Po, a junior and class president who also attended the PASSA meeting, spoke from a student's perspective. He suggested that the administration’s refusal to publicly acknowledge specific incidents was causing harm. "I heard what was said in terms of the administration taking the stance not to publicly acknowledge the incident that occurred at [CET], but I think that this could possibly be beneficial, as by stating that you could take steps to ensure that something like this does not happen again in the future," Po said. {{quote:500}} Po also urged the board to adopt an official definition of anti-Semitism to provide a common understanding for staff and students. Additionally, he alerted the board to a viral social media petition started by underclassmen just hours prior, arguing that the current school schedule "does not promote academic integrity." {{quote:530}} **Volleyball Parents Allege 'Toxic' Environment** In a separate but equally emotional appeal, Kathy Look, a parent at 52 Beekman Avenue, described the high school’s girls’ volleyball program as "toxic and detrimental to the well-being of our student athletes." {{quote:560}} Look alleged that despite complaints dating back to last year regarding emotional damage suffered by players, the district failed to take action. She claimed that a recent investigation by the administration was "cursory" and not properly documented. "Seven varsity volleyball parents signed a letter... two families were so distressed that they filed DASA reports. As of tonight, no changes have been made to the program," Look stated. {{quote:610}} DASA (The Dignity for All Students Act) reports are official New York State filings regarding harassment and bullying. Look criticized the district for prioritizing the "status quo" over the mental health of student athletes, asking the board directly, "What would you do if your daughter was faced with a choice to either quit playing the sport that she loves or continue to play under the direction of a coach that has repeatedly made her feel bullied, confused, and unworthy?" {{quote:670}} **Community Appreciation and Broader Concerns** The meeting also saw residents praising the district for its successes. One speaker commended CET (Croton Elementary School) for its Veterans Day ceremony, which involved active duty soldiers and an honor guard from West Point. {{quote:720}} However, the meeting concluded with a warning from a resident regarding state-level policies. Discussing the potential for state mandates regarding transgender athletes in girls' sports, the speaker told the board, "You're the last protection we have and children would have against this type of stupidity." {{quote:870}} The board did not respond directly to the allegations during the public comment portion, adhering to their policy that responses are typically given at a future date. The next steps for the district regarding the volleyball program and the anti-Semitism recommendations remain to be seen as the board moves into the new year.