Are you ready to gamble with your child's safety?

In a recent article by the republican reporter Mike Plaisance reports that AWAKE has on its pay roll a sex offender. Mr. Desi O. Jackson is listed as a level three sex offender with the State. This means that he is classified in a level with high probabilities to re-offend. Mr. Jackson was convicted of statutory rape, drug possession and assault and battery. AWAKE has been praised by local politicians, community activist and local police for their efforts in curbing youth violence in the city. Awake has recently held several press conferences focusing on youth violence and reportedly does extensive outreach in an effort to deter youth violence. Awake according to the paper, has also been recipient of $358,000 in public funding. State Representative Cheryl Coakely -Rivera was instrumental in securing funding for AWAKE.

AWAKE recently participated in a Putnam Vocational High School event where the sex offender was allowed in the school by principal Kevin L. McCaskill.

Apparently, Awake has such a good reputation that Putnam Principal Kevin L. McCaskill, who is also a member of AWAKE board of directors, has made it public that even thought he knew that AWAKE had a sex offender on its payroll, he felt comfortable allowing the sex offender into the building and suggested that he would allow the sex offender back in the building in the future.

Apparently, AWAKE also has some trouble brewing with the Attorney General for failure to properly disclose their status as a non-profit organization, failure to provide articles of organization, names of directors and information about potential conflicts of interest

I have a big problem with this situation.

First of all, I expect that Principal Kevin L. McCaskill as administrator for the school follow the policies set forth by the school department. Not to follow the policies, in my opinion undermines the principal's authority. How is Mr. McCaskill going to address personnel issues, if he himself does not follow the rules?

As for AWAKE, I am deeply concern that the good work that has been done could be damage by this fiery controversy. AWAKE has not been exactly forth coming about their issues and their troubles with the Attorney General only adds to the shroud of skepticism that has descended upon them.

As for Mr. Desi O. Jackson. Only he knows if he has truly resign to violence, drugs and sexual assault. I can tell you that as a parent, I am not prepare to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Allowing Mr. Jackson or any other sex offender on to school property will be gambling with the students safety. Are you prepare to take that gamble? I am not. My child's safety is too precious to gamble with.