UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded on November 4, 2023, when 5-year-old Oliver Epstein was discovered wandering alone near a McDonald’s, approximately a mile from North Park Elementary School. This alarming situation raises critical questions about the safety protocols at the school’s after-school program.
The boy’s father, Brett Epstein, revealed that while he was trying to confirm his son’s whereabouts, the program supervisor falsely assured him that Oliver was still under their supervision. Meanwhile, Oliver had already left the school grounds and was in the care of a nanny. This miscommunication occurred around 12:20 PM, just after Oliver was dismissed from classes. The boy was found by his nanny nearly three hours later, raising serious concerns about the school’s negligence.
Brett Epstein expressed his outrage during a governing board meeting of the Saugus Union School District, stating, “If Oliver wouldn’t have been spotted by his nanny, we would have had a missing kid’s case.” He emphasized the life-threatening risks Oliver faced while walking alone, including potential abduction or being struck by a vehicle.
Epstein’s emotional appeal reflects a deep frustration over what he describes as a “critical safety failure” and “gross negligence.” He stated, “Our 5-year-old son crossed busy streets alone. He walked past strangers, any one of whom could have abducted him.” His plea highlights the terrifying reality that could have unfolded.
This incident is not isolated; Epstein pointed out a similar case from 2019 at the same school, indicating a disturbing pattern of negligence. Parents are now left questioning how a child could slip away unnoticed, with Epstein demanding clarity on the procedures that failed. “I was told the gate Oliver walked out of should have been locked at all times,” he noted, yet conflicting information suggests that it may have been left unlocked due to safety regulations.
In response to the outcry, school officials, including Superintendent Colleen Hawkins and Katie Demsher, have committed to reaching out to the Epstein family to ensure their son’s safety moving forward. However, many board members expressed their frustration at being unable to provide details due to privacy laws, leaving parents feeling unheard.
Numerous attendees at the meeting voiced their support for the Epstein family, with many calling for immediate action to address safety concerns. Board member Matthew Watson acknowledged the issue, while Anna Griese expressed her disappointment, stating, “There’s really nothing that I can say that’s going to help the situation.”
As parents demand accountability, the Epstein family has removed Oliver from the after-school program, fearing for their child’s safety. Brett Epstein concluded, “We haven’t slept through the night. We replay every horrific possibility in our mind. What protocols fail so catastrophically?”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in child supervision and safety protocols in schools. As parents and community members await a thorough response from school officials, the urgency for systemic change in ensuring children’s safety remains at the forefront of public concern.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
