Newburgh School District community raises concerns over leadership and budget decisions

The Board of Education (BOE) Regular Meeting held on April 8, 2025, in New York, addressed several pressing issues concerning the Newburgh School District, with community members voicing significant concerns about leadership, transparency, and the welfare of students.

The meeting commenced with public comments, where Dennis Grant, a resident of Newburgh, urged the board to reconsider the potential dismissal of key administrators, emphasizing their vital role in student development. He highlighted the ongoing issue of the school-to-prison pipeline, warning that removing principals and directors could destabilize support systems for students, particularly those facing challenges such as poverty and trauma.

Angela Paul Gaeto, another community member, raised alarms about ongoing legal matters involving the acting superintendent, including a settled case costing the district nearly $400,000 and an active Equal Employment Opportunity Commission case. She questioned the board's decision to appoint someone with such a complex legal history to a leadership position, suggesting it poses a financial risk to the district. Gaeto also criticized the acting superintendent's actions, which she described as retaliatory towards staff, and called for a thorough investigation into these matters.

Riley Mehta, a senior at Newburgh Free Academy, expressed frustration over canceled meetings with board members and criticized the board's lack of collaboration and transparency. She questioned the decision-making process regarding staff layoffs, particularly concerning valued employees, and urged the board to prioritize the interests of students over political agendas.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater accountability and transparency from the board, as community members expressed their desire for a more supportive and effective educational environment. The discussions underscored a growing concern among residents about the district's leadership and its impact on student success, highlighting the need for a cohesive strategy to address these challenges moving forward.