Dear Mr. Ankrum:
As you know, I have been trying to reach you, to no avail. The person who answers the phone in your office puts me on hold, then returns after a few minutes to tell me you are “not available.” I leave messages without reply. Your board president also hasn’t returned my call. Neither of you has responded to my email.
Last week when I first called you about the PERB charges, you answered my call and when I told you my purpose you referred me to the school’s attorney. I thereafter spoke to Ms. Berlin. I certainly was not surprised that there would not be much comment from the school in light of the pending charges with PERB. I included her response to the PERB complaint in my story.
Since then, however, I have been informed that you granted an interview to another media outlet, and further, that you instructed selected members of your staff to call that reporter as well. I am told he has since interviewed those staff members, whom he characterizes are supportive of you.
Why would you deny me an interview but agree to be interviewed by other media?
Maybe this is some ham-fisted (and certainly ultimately unsuccessful) attempt to manipulate the news by spinning “your story” to someone else. Or maybe it’s just retaliation for my having reported something you didn’t want made public.
Either way, it’s silly and childish, in my opinion, and not befitting a person of responsibility in charge of a publicly funded educational institution like the Riverhead Charter School.
There are many, many legitimate questions about the school’s management and, in particular, about your leadership. Rest assured, you and your board of trustees will be held accountable.
Very truly yours,
Denise Civiletti
cc: Zenobia Hartfield, board president
Renee Harris Thompson, board secretary
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.