To the Editor:
It is appalling that the reputation of the well-respected and dedicated teacher, Greg Russo, has been placed in jeopardy. In my opinion, any reasonable and sane person would have accepted Mr. Russo’s rationale for the process he employed to insure reimbursement of personal funds used for the benefit of the Student Council. Russo would have been issued a reprimand, and instructed to avoid such a process in the future.
Additionally, the media seems to omit crucial information from its reporting, information that would exonerate Mr. Russo from any intent to defraud, and restore his good name. As a result of this apparent witch-hunt perpetrated by a member of the Johnston School Committee as well as a result of the negligent omission of pertinent facts by the media, the reputation of an outstanding and dedicated teacher is being tainted. Because of this injustice, someone needs to step forward and set the record straight.
As was made evident at the December meeting of the Johnston School Committee as well as made evident by social media postings, former students and retired faculty readily come to the defense of Mr. Russo, attesting to his dedication, competence, integrity, and stellar reputation. However, a veil of fear, which has existed for a long as I can remember, prevents those who work beside him from stepping forward. Speaking out against or disagreeing with one in the position of political power has historically been met with some form of retribution or retaliation. This fear is real and based on past practices. Therefore, I, who once suffered at the hands of a disgruntled and self-serving parent, need to step forward and set the record straight.
1. The situation began with two checks, one for $35 and one for $30, both intended as payment for a Student Council event scheduled for the fall of 2015. Because arrangements were being made during the summer months, Mr. Russo used his own credit card to pay the deposit and balance needed to secure the scheduled activities. Like many advisors who have gone before, including myself, he did so because it is the most expedient and often best means to secure such events. He never intended to defraud anyone nor did he ever profit from these or any such payments in the past. Mr. Russo experienced no gain. The fact is that on many occasions, Mr. Russo has unselfishly contributed his own personal funds for the benefit of the students at JHS.
2. The matter began as a result of concerns raised by Johnston School Committee member Gena Bianco. What are the political affiliations of this individual with those in power? What is her affiliation with the traditionally vocal mayor of the town who has been noticeably silent on this issue which is negatively affecting the morale of both the high school faculty and student body? To provide a more balanced presentation, the media should consider these questions worthy of investigation. The media has consistently reported that Mr. Russo is the brother of Robert Russo, the Johnston Town Council president, but never are the political affiliations of Ms. Bianco divulged.
3. Mr. Russo has served as a class advisor, Student Council advisor, Academic Decathlon advisor, Johnston Federation of Teachers vice president, Advanced Placement Biology instructor, Science Department Head, and the list goes on. He has served the students in ways that are too numerous to list. In all of these positions, he has brought nothing but prominence and honor to Johnston High School. The Academic Decathlon teams have proven that Johnston’s students can compete with all of the most highly rated private schools. His students have won national recognition in homecoming competitions, and he has inspired many students to pursue careers in the medical fields. He has brought nothing but acclaim to the school.
Let’s see if Ms. Bianco can list her accomplishments, and let’s see if they match up to Mr. Russo’s.
Linda Ryan
Johnston
33 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
aricci
So you also were forging checks? Who else was? Just because " we all do it" is not a valid excuse. Not a very good example to the children of the town.
Thursday, February 4, 2016 Report this
lindaeryan
Maybe you should google what constitutes a forged check. I worked at two different banks and I know what a forged check is. Banking law states that the last endorser is the person responsible for the check. Since Mr. Russo was the last endorser, he was the individual responsible for the check. He has taken responsibility for the check. He altered the check which he shouldn't have done; as I stated he should have been reprimanded and instructed to avoid such practices in the future. The bank should not have cashed the checks, but they did. No one profited and no one suffered a loss. Get over yourself. Mr. Russo sets a fine example for the students at JHS. Why don't you complain about the teachers who take a pay check every week and virtually do nothing?
Thursday, February 4, 2016 Report this
aricci
This teacher was charged with 2 counts of forgery and embezzlement and 1 count of counterfeiting and fraudulent transfer of funds. I would hope the State police would understand the definitions before they looked at the evidence and charged him.
Thursday, February 4, 2016 Report this
JeffPTip
What was the school policy? I find it hard to believe that a tenured teacher would risk his job and pension for less than $100. Typically numerous people are responsible for these types of accounts and they are audited regularly. Is that the case here? Have there been previous accusations of financial wrongdoing? What prompted this? All good questions. And where is the school department on this issue? No press release?
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
rad927
good for you mrs ryan !!!!!
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
rad927
jeff...you are 100% correct. no teacher is going to risk everything over something as minor as this. my step-daughter saw mr russo recently and he was in very good spirits and in a very joking mood. someone is going to owe mr russo an apology.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
kodvah6
Wow! I can't believe the bias, who let you publish this article. Not surprised the title does include "In Defense" say what you want but JPD concluded they found over $1500 in checks, well over 50 checks total that were included in the investigation. I have no idea 3 Felony Charges were ok. I don't think he'll get pinned for all 3, I'm thinking possibly 1. Check forging is against the law, I don't care what he's doing it for. Secondly he's paying off his credit cards with that money, he's gaining a benefit from the card (that nobody is aware of). I'm so glad Mr. Russo has been able to make gains of rewards over the years, kidding. Using students & parents hard earned money to only benefit himself. Facts are facts, there should be a Student Council School Account, all checks should be written to "JHS Student Council" and that's it! You can't write your name in on the line of the check, once again I don't care who you are. This isn't a good look, obviously you ignored the police's report. We will wait for court for a final answer. Stop with your bias. All Parents and Taxpayers and Students should be aware of this situation, it involves everybody. The finger needs to be pointed at somebody, this is something that went un notices for years. The time is now.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
kodvah6
This is the only attention this website will get! Very sad, I'm sure this was last resort for a reach. Mr. Russo has planned very good events in the past that is true, he is a smart teacher without a doubt. He is not a good role model, this looks bad on JHS & the Town, it makes you turn your head sideways and now you wonder what happens with other money you give out in this town. I'd love to hear your opinion on how he bullies students, say what you must but I've heard from many many former students and even kids that weren't his students that's he's obnoxious. You're welcome.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
The Berg
Kodvah6, do you know what a "Letter to the Editor" is? They are opinion pieces in which members of the community are allowed to express their views of support or opposition publicly.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
FLAG4Star
Ok first off, I didn't read the whole thing. I cant. I graduated from Johnston High. Class of 94, yo. Russo was our class teacher thingy for that year. And he was awesome. This is Rhode Island, these things happen here. And this is johnston Rhode island. That means forget about it. Innocent, guilty, who cares? Look, one time before I went to johnston high, I rode by to see what the school I would be going to looked like. My windows were open that day and someone threw a diploma in my car. That's how easy it is to graduate there so don't knock a good teacher when you got one we are lucky to have him. We love him. No matter what.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
courtag
Kodvah you couldn't be more wrong. You're seriously jealous of credit card points, like in the big scheme of things, that matters? NO. The STUDENTS matter. You're painting this terrible light on a man you don't know, and have obviously never had teach your child. Over $1500 worth of checks were forged. But you don't want to mention it was money OWED to him (All just a ploy for him to rack up those airline miles, obviously) Common sense should apply here, do you have any of that? Do you know WHY you didn't hear about $1500 and only $60? Because all of the other parents were thankful their child has a teacher/advisor like Mr. Russo who can plan and reserve such events for their kids to enjoy. They owed that money to Mr. Russo. How about that he has PAID for students to go on trips that didn't have the money, and was never paid back. (Hmm, are those miles stolen too?) Or perhaps that without him securing the spot or event with a credit card, some experiences would be missed out on all together? What exactly about him pre-paying, and then getting paid back, other than your obvious issue with credit card points, is your problem? If it means the students get to see, learn, and do things, isn't that what it should be about??? The ONLY lady who had the problem has an agenda, aren't you a little more curious about her angle? Her daughter went on the trip right? So she owed the money to the person who paid right? So really, what's the problem? There is NO question of MISSING funds. That's not what this is about. This is about what is TECHNICALLY the law. And I'm sure you follow them all very strictly.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
Nobelizeit
Great idea! Ms. Bianco should definitely list her accomplishments. Perhaps her job history and education too.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
Aseppala
Good for you Ms. Ryan!!
First and foremost I have to say that Mr. Russo was the best teacher I ever had! He is the reason I am a teacher today! He was able to connect with us in ways many teachers couldn't. Aside from that, he always went above and beyond for the kids. He was the teacher that went to athletic games, school events, ran student council, always won float, always! He was a true leader at Johnston and a positive role model for all kids. He exemplified honesty, integrity and school pride. If it were not for Mr. Russo, many students would not have enjoyed their school experience as much as they did. If he forged the two checks, he is certainly guilty of making a mistake, but there is a huge differnce between a minor mistake for the students to get signed up for s trip ahead of time, versus a criminal that belongs in jail for repeated criminal actions.
He is a great person, an excellent teacher and I am so happy you spoke up Ms. Ryan because you were also an amazing English Teacher.
Mr. Russo will always be a great person in my book!
April Seppala
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
Johnston101
To courtag- your comment mentioned that kodvah must not have had a child who had Russo...well I HAD RUSSO and he was NOT A NICE GUY and was a bully. Unless you were on student counsel or an A student he was not nice. He bullied me and my friends and basically would tell kids they were going nowhere in life. I was no punk kid either. I'd like to send him my college degrees one of these days. I can't speak on his actions in this case because it seems no one truly knows the specifics, but I can speak on the character he showed me as a teacher and HE DID NOT TREAT ALL STUDENTS THE SAME. So you should speak for yourself and your own child only. I would say however that you don't end up with FELONY charges over $60. What a bias article
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
Aplasterer63
Really? This is crazy. I've known Greg for a very long time. He is all about jhs. He cares about education and those kids. I'm sure you people can find some other political problem in this town. Greg, by far is not one of them..
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
courtag
I had him myself as well. I saw first hand this "bullying" you speak of. It also tells me what kind of student you were, and I'm not talking academically. No, he certainly did not treat all students the same. And you say that like it's a bad thing. I'm sorry but did he owe you something? Did he pluck you from the hall one random day to tell you you wouldn't amount to anything? Doubtful. The fact that you hold on to this resentment and want to send him your degree.....perhaps you should send a thank you note as well because it would seem he lit a fire under your ass to do better.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
Johnston101
It IS a bad thing when you don't treat all students with RESPECT AND KINDNESS when you're a teacher. I had some WONDERFUL very caring teachers in that school and he was NOT one of them. I also can tell what kind of student you were lol. And did he owe me something? Teachers owe ALL their students something - an education and a WELCOMING classroom. And yes he did single students out and tell them they wouldn't amount to anything, along with other inappropriate comments. I watched him do so many times. I also see stories from classes years before me saying the same things. From another comment on this post I know I'm not alone on that one. I just thought I'd add my input here. I don't need you to agree, the comments and conversation on Facebook from SO MANY past students SAY ENOUGH. This article and the comments on it are bias and I think his FELONY charges speak loud and clear.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
anon24
I had Mr. Russo as a Biology teacher my freshman year at JHS, and I understand why an article like this exists. He did some great things for the high-school, and was by far the most active and involved of all teachers in the student council and homecoming events. Students loved him, flocked to him, and stood by him years after they graduated for all of the support he provided them, However, that treatment was reserved for only a select group of students - usually those in the student body. Other students, like myself, who were from low-income families, introverted, or not popular enough to win a seat on the student body were treated as second-rate, expendable, and with contempt. I could make the argument that Mr. Russo actively tried to ruin my life and the lives of many other kids. I can even vividly recall one occasion when he "jokingly" insulted me in front of the class, the classroom roared in laughter, and I sunk into my chair accepting the h*ll that would be my next 3.5 years. This man was an astounding mentor to some, and a flat out bully to his other students. He showed no empathy to those with social anxiety, poor home lives that resulted in poor classroom performance, or just a lack of interest interest in popularity contests (aka student government).
I have seen kids from my class who were emotionally crippled by a year of his teaching. Other kids who didn't fit the Italian-American majority that runs the school, but were otherwise nice kids and hard workers accept their role as a forever social outcast. I won't go into detail about the fringe kids who just needed a mentor to help put them on the right track. I don't blame the kids (adults now) who loved him for sticking up for him, because he was terrific to them, but to myself, and others, this felony charge is karma. Karma, for making high-school a nightmare for them. Karma, for explicitly telling them that they wouldn't amount to anything. Karma, for offering so much to a select few, and taking away so much from us.
So, go ahead, hold up Mr. Russo as your hero and mentor. Come to his aid and tell stories of how he was such a positive influence on your high-school years. But, deep down you sat in the classroom as us, and you knew that we didn't get even close to the same treatment for reasons that were entirely outside of a teenager's control. He's the reason why I avoid Cherry Hill Rd. when I'm back in Johnston, and he's the voice inside my head telling me that I'm not good enough. 2 Bachelor's Degrees in Engineering, a minor in Mathematics, and a job at one of the most influential research institutions in the United States is enough to prove his prediction wrong. Does he still live with his mom?
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
geo1972
kodvah6 and Johnston101 -
It seems like you both have your mind set as to what constitutes a good role model for any member of our community. From the comments you have made, I would venture to guess that you have done a tremendous amount in the Johnston community and regularly assist numerous children of the town as well as our brothers/sisters in need. It would not make sense for someone to take issue and speak out against a man who has raised endless amounts of money/awareness to different charities and has also spent much of his time assisting members of our community if you have not done the same yourself. With that in mind, I applaud your dedication to the community and the endless hours you have volunteered in attempts to make our world a better place!
If there is anything I can to do to assist with your humanitarian endeavors, I would love to help. Being a better role model is something I think we should all strive for! Please keep me in mind as I would love to assist in whatever it is that you are trying to raise awareness for. I look forward to hearing from you soon - God Bless!
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
Johnston101
Anon24. I could not have said it any better. Thank you for confirming my points exactly because according to courtag, my comments are only "because of the type of student I was"... Whatever type that is.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
Johnston101
geo- not sure where you get any of that from comments I made. I made some comments about BASICS of a classroom environment. I said nothing about role models and what Russo has and hasn't done to the community. However a good role model doesn't belittle students.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
av5446
Not for nothing, no money was missing. No one had money stolen from them so what's the big deal. The big deal is the people complaining. He didn't steal anything from the parents or students. Who cares what he did twenty years ago , it has nothing to do with this now. I didn't like him when I went there either,, I thought it was weird a teacher so young with braces. But I was a child then and didn't know any better. And yes he could be a prick sometimes, lots of the teachers were at times, so we're some of the students. Remember all the wannabe gangsters. MmmHmmm. but he was never mean to me. and I was in no way an A student. But someone who has worked there for as long as he has should not lose their job for something so little and stupid. People are over reacting a bit here. Relax. There's teachers molesting students and bullying to the point children are taking their lives and school shootings and let's not forget common core math... should I go on or stop here. Those are all real problems. None of that has happened here, well, maybe the math issue, but that's it. So let's really all look at this little stupid issue and think, is it really that big a deal. Again, no money stolen.Give him a slap on the wrist if it helps all you over reacting folks with nothing better to do than complain, then over and done with. Come up with a better solution to collecting funds and payments for trips and what not then... wait for it... Move on. He doesn't have to be arrested or lose his job.
You go Mrs Ryan.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
Nobelizeit
Anon24
Mr. Russo mother passed away after a lengthy illness in which he cared for her. In fact most loving, compassionate caring children do this for their sick parent. My sick parent lives with me too. I guess living with your elderly parent is a negative thing. Karma...
I hope you can get some help to deal with avoiding Cherry Hill Road when you're in town and hearing the voices in your head about not being good enough.
Friday, February 5, 2016 Report this
JHS2003
Johnston101 I could not agree with you more!
MR. RUSSO WAS HORRIBLE TO MANY STUDENTS!
If a student did not participate in extracurricular activities, he would ridicule them terribly, and do it in front of other students as well.
A great friend of mine couldn't participate in after school activities because she had to work after school. Mr. Russo once told her she'd never amount to anything. She would leave school crying all the time because Mr. Russo yet again made another mean comment to her. She was helping out her family by working after school, that's why she could participate in after school activities.
If a student wasn't popular in school he always made sure that student knew it. Did I mention my friend now is a very successful business owner?
MR. RUSSO was the absolute definition of a BULLY. What was appalling LINDA RYAN was his behavior and disrespect towards students. He is not a role model in any way! He wanted to become friends with the popular kids in school and everyone knew it, including faculty.
And FYI squeezing your name onto checks that weren't made out to you is ILLEGAL! He has a history of making very poor decisions, clearly!
Saturday, February 6, 2016 Report this
Adam1121
My favorite is that if you have something positive to say about Mr. Russo then it's bias? I too was a student from JHS with him as a teacher. He wasn't fond of me and I didn't get the same level of respect as other students. However, it worked both ways. You make think he was only nice towards children academically inclined but in reality it was towards children who cared about their education, as I was just a rebellious child at the time. Overall he is a good teacher and human being and if THIS is what you think the main problem of JHS is I laugh at all of you. Anyone who has been a student between 2000 and 2006 knows there are way worse stuff that has happened there and yet this is the story that gets picked up. Bravo
Sunday, February 7, 2016 Report this
Educator1
There were two people that objected to the endorsements on the supposed 50 checks or whatever,Miss Bianco and her Mother ! There was absolutely no malice involved,Mr Russo was merely collecting money that he put up for a feildtrip that had to be prebooked, so any sane parent that had a child go on the fieldtrip did not even question it because they new the price ahead of time and also new that Mr Russo had organized it.Maybe some practices need to be enforced in some of these fundraising events but why all of a sudden and why the brother of the head of the town council ,and why someone who would never steal a penny from anyone ? My children have all benefited from having Mr Russo as a Mentor and educator at first they were not big fans of his but towards the end of their HS careers did nothing but praise him for helping and guiding them on to bieng professional and stronger individuals , he picked on all kids but was always in a joking non malicious way in order to try to bring them out of thier shells and get them involved .with the winners of JHS ! We did not come from money nor were we part of the in crowd but all 3 of my children today are young professionals and speaking to each all will tell you that MR Russo had a great deal to do with them pushing on educationally and professionally ! They were all picked on by him(in a good way) and pushed to their limits and each is grateful for him doing that !! For it is those who are too politically correct that cannot understand nor handle this!!Stop coddling your children and grow a pair because its a tough world out there that only a great educator like this can prepare one for .They all dittoed the fact that he was there for any student that needed the help or showed they cared about their education and most of his time was dedicated towards those,and none of mine were on the school committee or cheering squads but did retain the facts that MR Russo employed that their education would prove to be most valuable one day !
Sunday, February 7, 2016 Report this
lindaeryan
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.
Sunday, February 7, 2016 Report this
aricci
@Linda Ryan. My only concern was you implying in your letter that others were doing the same illegal actions. I have no connections to any of the parties involved. By your writings, it's obvious your problems are much deeper seated and I hope you can find peace, good luck.
Monday, February 8, 2016 Report this
lindaeryan
This is laughable. I freely sign my name rather that hide behind some allusive moniker as many here have. You obviously don’t know me at all, but this is not the forum to address anything other than the issue at hand. My purpose is to defend Mr. Russo and to make the public aware that this arrest is merely one more example of the abuse of political position for personal gain that has existed in Johnston for many years. As one astute individual indicated, the people of Johnston are not stupid. They know what goes on. So, unless someone writes something egregious, this is the last you will hear from me. One always finds peace when one stands up for the righteous.
Monday, February 8, 2016 Report this
Educator1
A worker STEALS thousands from the DPW and guess what,Everyone turns thier heads,R U kidding me ? Even the police ??? Shameful MR Mayor,cant wait till they drag you out in cuffs,and the hugs and kisses to the Pastor in the Sunrise,you clearly must be joking... LOL people are on to you !!!! You are clearly a Joke !!!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Report this
JHSGrad
I had Russo for a teacher. He was a bully and a lousy teacher. Luckily I didn't have Linda Ryan. She wasn't any better though. Word on the street is that she got fired from JHS. Sounds like she is just bitter.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Report this
lindaeryan
Really! What street do you live on? I taught at JHS for almost 30 years and enjoyed a stellar reputation until the day I retired. In all that time, I was never asked to retire, was never reprimanded, and was not fired. So much for word on the street.
Monday, May 2, 2016 Report this
lindaeryan
Really! What street do you live on? I taught at JHS for almost 30 years and enjoyed a stellar reputation until the day I retired. In all that time, I was never asked to retire, was never reprimanded, and was not fired. So much for word on the street.
Monday, May 2, 2016 Report this