To the Editor:

As a longtime resident, active volunteer, supporter of Bedford Central School District, and parent of two children who attended Bedford Hills Elementary, I am writing to vigorously protest the firing of Steven Savod. Mr. Savod acted in the interest of safety and the well-being of all the children on the playground.

When handling situations involving kids who do bad things to other kids, the district consistently gets low marks. Victims are left to fend for themselves, and perpetrators are given unlimited understanding and attention. In this politically correct world, I applaud Mr. Savod for having the courage to speak the truth and tell this child he was a bully (which apparently was an accurate description).

The district, in firing Mr. Savod, has simply tried to kill the messenger. The responsibility for this child's behavior belongs with him and his parents.

What has now been achieved? Mr. Savod lost his job, and the kids lost a caring, concerned aide.

Unfortunately, it seems that nothing has been done to protect the rest of the kids from the clear and present
danger of a classmate who is willing to threaten an adult with shooting and is in the presence of firearms at
home. The needs or rights of a problem child should be secondary to keeping the rest of the school safe
from him. Personnel who realize this should be applauded, not fired. The district must reevaluate its priorities.

Ellen Rothenberg
Bedford Corners