Earl Kitchener parents voice concerns

Concerned parents with children at Earl Kitchener Public School in Hamilton packed a meeting Tuesday night.

The gymnasium was standing room only as school board and police officials talked about last week’s incident where a student was taken away from the school at lunch hour by a man the child didn’t know. Officials say everything is being reviewed when it comes to security and procedures. And the school superintendent offered an emotional apology.

Sue Dunlop, HWDSB Superintendent: “When you send your children to us, we take responsibility for them. They are our responsibility. And we did not fulfill that responsibility last Thursday. And we feel truly terrible about that. And I take responsibility for that and I apologize to each and every parent and family in this room today.”

The man suspected of taking the child was arrested over the weekend on a mental health concern. But as soon as he’s released from that, police expect to lay charges.