Protesters Gather, Post Signs, Support Students in Detention at SOMS

Despite clouds and occasional rain sprinkles, parents, students, and interested members of the public gathered outside South Orange Middle School on Saturday. Students at South Orange Middle School who skipped class served Saturday detentions from 8 a.m. until noon. Supporters waited outside the building to support their efforts, say student representatives of .

This is the latest demonstration, but “not the last,” according to students who are  protesting the .  Students who earlier missed classes to sit-in or walk out of the school will be in detention until noon on Saturday. Parents and fellow students plan to bring food as they gather outside SOMS “in solidarity,” according to the same student organizer.

Saturday's group of protesters was friendly and calm, but their message was serious. Students painted themselves with names of their teachers, and signs reading, "Reverse the decision. Give Mr. Cohen tenure," and "We support McKort."

the teachers, , were not rehired for the coming school year, at which time they would have been tenured in the district. The teachers can opt for a to challenge this decision, or Superintendent Brian Osborne could propose a resolution to rehire them. Such a resolution would be voted on by the Board of Education members, all of whom attended Monday's meetings.

Students at the Monday evening meeting noted that time is growing short, as the end of the school year approaches.

“You’ll think we’ll forget this in the summer,” charged one eighth grader, speaking to Osborne and to SOMS principal Joseph Uglialoro, “but we won’t.” Students have . The latest effort is an online petition.

The district is prevented from commenting by law. However, Osborne and Uglialoro have met with members of the and held two Monday meetings for parents and others concerned. Both administrators noted that they are aware of community concerns.

The two teachers have not commented on their next steps. South Orange Middle School students face final exams this coming week, and summer vacation the next.

There is a Board of Education meeting on Monday night.