A dispute between a parent and a local school district in Atlantic County is drawing attention online after a father shared a strongly worded post in which his daughter has been treated unfairly due to her attendance situation and medical circumstances.
Nicholas J. Panaro III took to the Buena Community Page on Facebook to express frustration with school officials, alleging that the district retaliated after he spoke up on his daughter’s behalf.
According to his post, his daughter has spent most of the academic year on home instruction, reportedly due to medical issues.
He claims that despite this arrangement, the school recently began penalizing her for missed days.
Panaro also stated that his daughter had worked hard throughout her high school years to earn a place in the National Honor Society, and he believes she met the academic requirements.
However, he argues that attendance policies are now being used against her in a way that disregards her circumstances. He wrote,
Here’s our wonderful district and how they respond to me standing up for my daughter last night. Total cowards. This Dr. Salvo is a real loser and a scum bag along with all the minions that got into education to destroy lives. He needs to be ousted. This is what happens when you try to fight the system. Anyone who was there knows I never even touched a microphone and didn’t use profanities. Plus, now they are docking my daughter for missed days, suddenly overnight. She has been on home instruction 90% of the year. People need to speak up because they will do this to anyone. Don’t think it can’t happen to you.
Nicholas J. Panaro III
Community Reactions and Calls for Legal Action
The post generated a wave of reactions, with many community members offering support and advice.
Anthony Gomez commented, “Consult a lawyer,” while Fred Plasket suggested reaching out to civil rights organizations, writing,
Call the ACLU,they have disabilities lawyers. They’ll have a ball with this
Fred Plasket
Others also express concern over how the situation was being handled. Mark Simmermon wrote,
1100% need a lawyer. Such a shame what this world has come to….. so sorry for your issue. You called them out so now they will do what they can…. well don’t let them treat your child like that! U seem like great parents and I’d be beyond pissed off over that! Shame we can’t get any good workers any longer in the school district. Atlantic county sucks.
Mark Simmermon
Differing Perspectives On Attendance And Eligibility
Not all commenters agreed with Panaro’s position. Some raised questions about whether the school’s policies were being applied consistently and fairly to all students.
An anonymous participant pointed out that attendance requirements have long been tied to extracurricular and academic eligibility. The commenter wrote,
Why is she on home instruction though? Clearly removing her from the school is just the last tug at the bandaid at this point if she is not attending any way.. I’m a brhs graduate .. it’s been over 20 years but I’m sure you still couldn’t do extra curriculars if you didn’t physically attend school.. I think we couldn’t even go to practice/events if we missed school the day of for any reason, even medical with note.
Anonymous Participant 117
Panaro responded by clarifying that his family never challenged rules related to sports or clubs, but believes the National Honor Society should be viewed differently due to its academic focus.
He emphasized that his daughter’s situation involves medical issues beyond her control and questioned whether it is fair to penalize her under those circumstances.
As of now, the school district has not publicly responded to the claims made in the post.
