Hollister
– Parents of a San Benito High School student received a
surprise Monday when they found pornography in an envelope
containing an informational school packet.
Hollister – Parents of a San Benito High School student received a surprise Monday when they found pornography in an envelope containing an informational school packet.
The senior’s parents addressed the district’s Board of Trustees and administration at a special meeting Monday, expressing disgust at the addition to their packet. They received the packet, which contains information about the start of the school year, in their mailbox Monday, said the speaker, whose name the Free Lance was unable to confirm.
Superintendent Stan Rose on Tuesday said the school had been unaware of the incident until the parents addressed the board. He added the problem was under investigation.
“It was very surprising and very upsetting, and we intend to get to the bottom of it,” Rose said.
The pornographic insert, apparently ripped from a magazine, is believed to be an isolated action, Rose said.
Student Resource Officer Rich Brown is investigating it along with Assistant Principal Krystal Lomanto. Depending on the outcome of the probe, criminal charges could be pursued, Brown said.
“Until I look at everything, I won’t know what course of action we’re going to take – the sheriff’s office or the school,” he said.
The packet wasn’t mailed. Rather, someone placed it in the recipient’s mailbox, Brown said. Tampering with mailboxes is a federal crime, but is generally dealt with by the sheriff’s office.
The school would take its own disciplinary action against the person found responsible for the pornography, Rose said, while a penalty has not been determined. School officials said they don’t know if it was a prank. Rose said it is important everyone understand that sending out that type of material is inappropriate.
“I do expect consequences because that goes against the concept of students feeling safe,” Rose said. “It’s very unsettling for students and adults.”
Trustees expressed shock by the packet’s surprise content, but they could not comment on it at the board meeting because it was not on the agenda.
Trustee Mary Encinias said while the action was an embarrassment to the school, officials could do little but find out who was behind the action and make sure they are punished.
“I don’t think there was any negligence on the part of the school,” Encinias said.
It is unknown whether it was a student or adult behind the act. Students regularly help with the mailings, and many volunteers handle the packets before they are sent out, Rose said.
