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Since I wrote the article that is generating so much controversy, I am compelled to address some of the responses individually. I have also decided that there are lessons to be learned from this controversy. I will endeavor to write a follow-up editorial addressing those lessons. I hope that when I do submit it, the Sunrise will honor me with its publication.

To arricci,

Below, I am posting an explanation of fraudulent checks as defined by the National Check Fraud Center. I, too, would hope that the police would understand the definition; however, fraud and embezzlement, both charges levied against Mr. Russo, necessitate monetary gain. What did he embezzle? He did alter a check, which is illegal, but the bank had a responsibility to reject the check and refuse to deposit it. He did not forge a signature. He did not counterfeit a check. He did not steal someone’s check, nor did he sign as a maker of the check. Again, there was no loss incurred by anyone, and there was no profit for Mr. Russo. Intent is crucial in both cases. Never was there an intent to defraud, cheat or steal. The charges, in my opinion, are trumped up, and if I were on a jury hearing such a case, I would realize right away that this is a witch hunt perpetrated by a contentious individual.

On another note, you are right to ask what kind of example both I and Mr. Russo have put forth for the children of Johnston. Although I would never use the word children for high school students, young adults seems more appropriate, I have always striven to set a good example. There are, however, times when I have failed. Both Mr. Russo and I are, after all, human! I for one made many mistakes which, I am sure, hurt many students. For that I am very sorry, but it was never done intentionally. Aren’t parents also supposed to set examples for their children to follow? Do they always do so? Do they make mistakes? Do they always do a good job? Do they say and do things that may impact the self worth of their own children? Has the accuser considered the repercussion her actions may have on her family?

Also, I don’t recall my letter saying that I was forging checks. I know I said that I also paid for events with a credit card and then reimbursed myself. I’ll have to go back and check the contents of my letter.

To JeffPTip

Unfortunately, there has never been a thorough and complete auditing of student related

accounts, and to be honest, there are many reasons why it would be very difficult to provide a very concise accounting. There are too many reason to enumerate here, but advisors handle thousands of dollars, and it is ludicrous to think that Mr. Russo or any other advisor with the intent to embezzle money would do so by cashing or depositing checks which can be readily traced.

There has been no prior accusation of financial wrongdoing. Mr. Russo has, in many instances, used his own personal funds to provide for students who have been financially prohibited from participating in school sponsored activities. I can attest to this but would never give specifics that would embarrass recipients.

You asked about the school department’s stand on this issue, and you question the lack of any press releases from the department. Remember that veil of fear I referenced in my letter? It IS real!!!! Those who go against the tide and speak their minds often meet with retribution and retaliation. I suspect that this issue is a prime example.

To Kodvah6

Bias!!! You are joking? I applaud The Sunrise and its editors for publishing the “letter to the editor”. The Sunrise would not publish my letter as originally written. I could easily post some of those deletions, but I respect the integrity of the paper and its editors and will not do so. There are two sides to every story, and both should be heard. Of course, due to pending litigation, Mr. Russo is prohibited from commenting. Do you know how difficult it is to be accused of something and not be able to defend yourself?

Yes, I understand that there were other checks involved, but no one has ever filed a complaint. Why? Because they never saw a need to do so. Rational parents realize that there was no loss to them. They also realize that there was no financial gain caused by Mr. Russo’s handling of their payment. So, the cause for these charges hinges on two checks, one for $30. and one for $35. made by the same individual, a school committee person. You are right. The finger needs to be pointed, and that pointed finger needs to be directed toward the accuser.

“…gaining a benefit from the card…” You are joking again! Airplane miles?? Really!! Credit rating perhaps? Really!

To the Berg

Thanks for defining “Letter to the Editor” and the intent of such letter.

To Kodvah6

Bully? Obnoxious? I will be the first to admit, that Mr. Russo’s tactics to engage his students are not always conventional, but, in my opinion and obviously the opinion of many, he sought to engage all his students regardless of academic or social status. He always felt that involvement in school activities was essential in teaching real life skills. I witnessed first hand his saving of many fringe students that might have gone in the wrong direction if he had not reached out to involve them in student activities. Students that may have become involved with drugs or other questionable activities were led in a more positive direction. Unfortunately, no teacher will ever be supported and liked by 100% of his/her students. It is not realistic to think this is possible. Even the best teachers with the best intentions offend students. Neither Mr. Russo or I , for that matter, never purposely set out to malign or offend any student. It is difficult for a teacher to really know what effect he or she is having on those students who are introverted or fail to speak out. To believe that all teachers are going to be loved or for me to believe that I would be loved by all is naïve. There were times when I disappointed students, and there were times when I disappointed myself. That’s teaching.

I really applaud those former students who are astute enough to see that even though they didn’t necessarily like Mr. Russo, they are still able to recognize his dedication and commitment to Johnston High School.

Also, you are absolutely right when it comes to wondering where the money that you “give” to the town goes. Give implies gift; regardless, you SHOULD look long and hard at where your tax money goes. However, Mr. Russo’s pocket is not one of those places.

To Courtag

Good for you. You seem to fully understand Johnston politics and its ramifications.

To Flagstar

You obviously didn’t have Mr. Russo as a teacher. You must have had those teachers who did nothing to better their students, and because they handed out good grades freely, no one ever complained. I am so sorry that you had such a bad experience.

To Aseppala

You were a joy to know.

To Johnston 101

When someone in Johnston is out to get you, they can always find a way. Yes, even over $65 dollars one can end up with felony charges. Sad, isn’t it? Look at the number of people who are affected by this witch hunt, even those close to the hunter.

To JHS2003

I apologize and sympathize with your friend who went home crying everyday because of what you describe as Mr. Russo’s bullying. I can assure you that bullying was never his intention. I am confident that your friend’s burden was apparent in her demeanor, and I am confident that Mr. Russo was, in fact, reaching out to her to involve her in activities that would have made her feel more connected to the school environment. I empathize with her, for I, too, had to work after school and I, too, wasn’t able to participate in many activities. What I don’t understand is why she didn’t merely approach Mr. Russo privately, confess that she would love to be more involved, explain she had to work to help the family, and tell him that she was hurt by his constant reference to her failure to participate. If she had done so, Mr. Russo would have done whatever he could have to include her. There are also guidance counselors and administrative personnel that could have intervened on her behalf.

To Anon24

I applaud your ability to understand and give credit to Mr. Russo for his being the most active and involved of all teachers at Johnston High. In light of the fact that you did not share the love and respect for him that other students had, you were able to understand why I wrote the letter as well as understand why many other students hold him in high esteem. I was honestly moved by your response to my letter. At the outset, you showed a very sensitive and mature character. I am truly sorry that you did not seem to reap the rewards of Mr. Russo’s mentoring, I still truly believe that Mr. Russo was not attempting to berate you nor was he ever trying to make any student doubt his or her worth. In reality, I believe that it was his unconventional way of reaching out to you and his way of offering his help. I cannot accept your contention that anyone other that the A student, the extroverted student, the Italian American student, the socially unpopular student, or the high income level student was the only one to whom he reached out. I know that is not true. I witnessed just the opposite over the course of many years. I am very happy that you have met with success in your career. Let your success be your guide, and let go of the past that haunts you and seems to make you very bitter. Don’t dwell on that which you perceived to be bullying define who you are. Stop avoiding Cherry Hill Road, stop by the high school and let Mr. Russo know how he made you feel. You may be surprised that from a different vantage point, he is a very sensitive and caring teacher.

TO ALL

I know this man well, and I know that he has given his everything for the students at Johnston High School. I also know that this indiscretion on his part had no malicious intent. I know that there was never an intent to defraud or steal from anyone.

I also know that there would have been a much simpler solution to this issue, a solution that would have saved both the accuser and the accused and their families much embarrassment, a solution that would have saved the town and the teachers’ union the financial burden caused by the accuser. Legal fees and salary needed for substitute teachers could have been avoided if the accuser had been willing to meet with Mr. Russo and the school administration, had accepted Mr. Russo’s open and honest accounting of the process employed in reimbursing personal funds used for the benefit of students, and had issued some form of verbal reprimand with a warning that this practice not be employed in the future. Why would anyone go to these extremes when a simple solution is evident.

Those so eager to condemn and set themselves as superior, consider whether you are without fault before doing so.

From the National Check Fraud Center

Types of Check Fraud:

Forgery

For a business, forgery typically takes place when an employee issues a check without proper authorization. Criminals will also steal a check, endorse it and present for payment at a retail location or at the bank teller window, probably using bogus personal identification.

Counterfeiting and Alteration

Counterfeiting can either mean wholly fabricating a check --using readily available desktop publishing equipment consisting of a personal computer, scanner, sophisticated software and high-grade laser printer -- or simply duplicating a check with advanced color photocopiers.

Alteration primarily refers to using chemicals and solvents such as acetone, brake fluid and bleach to remove or modify handwriting and information on the check. When performed on specific locations on the check such as the payee's name or amount, it is called-spot alteration; When an attempt to erase information from the entire check is made, it is called-check washing. For further information regarding this subject, visit HERE.

Paperhanging

This problem primarily has to do with people purposely writing checks on closed accounts (their own or others), as well as reordering checks on closed accounts (their own or others).

Check Kiting

Check Kiting is opening accounts at two or more institutions and using "the float time" of available funds to create fraudulent balances. This fraud has become easier in recent years due to new regulations requiring banks to make funds available sooner, combined with increasingly competitive banking practices.

It has been estimated that the annual losses due to check fraud are in the billions of dollars and continue to grow steadily as criminals continue to seek ways to earn a living by defrauding others. For the consumer, the amount of inconvenience and anxiety caused by resolving problems with the account, local merchants, as well as possible repercussions with credit bureaus can be considerable.