[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6467349,"mediaKeyId","5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186","parentId",5798634,"title","Public commenter alleges 'fear and intimidation' under former superintendent; calls for accountability","audioSeconds",124,"startMs",3688000,"endMs",3812000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186&start=3688&end=3812","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186/thumbnail_3688000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6467349/New-York/Public-commenter-alleges-fear-and-intimidation-under-former-superintendent-calls-for-accountability","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467349-79fe7799d1883c6095fbac52bef43656/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448186&Signature=NKpFgF3jsynUwxgsZeKejCpCT8HmcdX80xt9uYULBtU9r9FDeYwuC2YgzHpTH~ImD8WqSiu9FA9fp4bS2yBE5dTeNm9OJ6aOvwauIu5jgHXnQVqc8JEXVQwr7SZyhPFpIrsd~dj-Re3keeHzEBJveLvEX8-ASJRdgcuwmb6djE6PMBYaCUVLJMxnS~8c7R30VD0y-9uyefhWOS9qZ8wb2aNRzbUKelTJ9WRwJJ4543xb4Pew0iodJViVaZsa6stYyf~ZHolBniVIWI3OUFtOka0LOYVhBnQucN0CpkGyvtoxys5m8TOY-Ekp~AE7GI4Eq1DDkKCqfqKkTERBXbNYlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-09-19T22:45:12Z","article","A member of the public used the board's public-comment period Thursday to allege long-standing workplace misconduct under the district's recently suspended superintendent and to call for more accountability.

The speaker, who identified himself as Rick during public comment, described a pattern he said he heard about from district employees: \"fear, intimidation, retaliation, and favoritism,\" and he said those practices were widespread rather than isolated. He said he learned of a federal investigation that began after an employee complaint and questioned whether the issues were rooted in an individual or systemic culture.

\"When I first learned of the ongoing federal investigation prompted by a claim from an employee, I found myself asking, is this an isolated incident, or is this something deeper at play? The answer unfortunately became clear,\" Rick told the board in prepared remarks, which he said summarized conversations with multiple employees.

The speaker named the suspended superintendent, Amy Creedon, and said she had been suspended on Aug. 29 and that a federal inquiry was in progress. He attributed to multiple employees the charge that the superintendent not only tolerated bullying but \"recruited and mentored other administrators to manage their departments or schools in the very same way.\"

The board did not take action on the public comment; the evening's formal business proceeded with routine agenda items and personnel actions. The district did not present any new investigative findings at the meeting. Board members acknowledged the comment period and continued with the agenda. The board has separately voted to appoint outside counsel (Ferrara Fiorenza PC) to provide investigative services earlier in the meeting.

The account offered by the public commenter is an allegation made in open session and reflects that individual's summary of conversations with employees. The board and district did not present corroborating evidence during the meeting; the transcript records the comment as the speaker's statements to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Middletown City School Board Meeting 9-18-2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment a resident alleged sustained harassment and retaliation by the district's recently suspended superintendent and said a federal investigation is under way; the claim was presented as the speaker's account of conversations with current and former employees.","taxTitle","MIDDLETOWN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38804,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6467353,"District reports more than 1,000 students served in summer programs; high school credit recovery, ESY and middle/elementary offerings detailed",693,4210000,4903000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186&start=4210&end=4903","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186/thumbnail_4210000.jpg","/articles/6467353/New-York/District-reports-more-than-1000-students-served-in-summer-programs-high-school-credit-recovery-ESY-and-middleelementary-offerings-detailed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467353-8a85915f28b12f67f5fe108b8d40ebd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448186&Signature=jXCVhGALJoTqxm7EA4-y0WEPrOmuZTUD9tWs3xsOirulQwL9uLBQNJvFQgA6rYhzJ1pkR4yhteg8d3XWN2crt9FO2niLucAtj0a6wVurObXaCcC~o0ku9A7nIS2hAUvgPIwOLdCYYPyyWBi~z0CgDaaG2paDsEqsYv1yeTMOr60TE0HjWsvbuB5NoNt-JadeZkTX11UgJFA6LiP5toDRSanXbgmzAL3CZvzRidboLPunLJto-i-EFQOktyetPqxSgm~9KgKIf68Ea8tQCV59cTGEJMWzlNN9MysjMfwKObRV5aaiR7SAmSzzdSkmM0VepEnBshc6rNSKq8D7anJkwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The district presented a detailed recap of summer academic and enrichment programs at Thursday's Board of Education meeting, reporting attendance, staffing levels and program aims for elementary, middle, high school and extended-school-year (ESY) offerings.

Acting superintendent (presenter) and program leaders said summer programs were designed either to provide remediation and credit recovery or to accelerate and enrich student learning. Speakers described schedules, curriculum and staff support for each level and provided enrollment and staffing figures.

Elementary: Regina Trout and Tamika Harris, who led elementary summer school, said the district ran two elementary tracks: a traditional remediation program for scholars performing below grade level and an enrichment program for scholars performing above level. They reported a starting enrollment of 450 students and a final count of about 410 (309 in the traditional program and 101 in enrichment). Staff included 13 traditional teachers, five bilingual teachers, 12 enrichment teachers, two administrators, two clericals, three student-support facilitators, two nurses, six security officers and one school resource officer. The daily schedule included dual ELA and math blocks and a midday dismissal for younger grades.

Middle school: Belinda Hodler, who led the middle-school program, said the district offered traditional remediation for students who failed core classes, a summer accelerated preview for incoming seventh- and eighth-graders (two 2½-week cohorts), and a language-bridge program for students developing English proficiency. She reported 269 total middle-school participants: 108 in traditional summer school, 66 in cohort one of accelerated programming, 51 in cohort two, and 44 in the language-bridge program. Hodler said about 95% of middle-school students who needed remediation attended.

High school: Presenters said the high school hosted multiple concurrent programs in one building. The high school summer offerings included credit recovery, college coursework, senior-pathway cohorts and regents-prep sessions. District leaders reported more than 1,000 high-school scholars participated during the summer. Presenters gave these breakdowns: 635 students in credit-recovery courses, 97 students taking college courses, 34 students in the senior pathway, and 278 students in Regents-prep offerings. Program staff included 46 teachers, clerical staff, counselors, student-support facilitators, nurses and a heavy complement of security staff. The district said schedule flexibility allowed students to participate even if they needed adjusted hours for work or other obligations.

Extended School Year (ESY): Special-education leaders reported an ESY program for students whose IEPs required extended-year services to prevent substantial regression. ESY ran a shorter instructional day with staggered schedules and included related-service providers and aides. Leaders said ESY served 132 scholars, grades 1–12, and that progress on IEP goals would be reflected in August progress reports and discussed at subsequent CSE meetings.

Outcomes and assessment: Middle-school staff said summer MAP assessments and classroom culminating assessments were used to track growth in ELA and math; ESY leaders said progress was tracked against individual IEP goals. High-school presenters said program outcomes included course completions, college credits earned and Regents proficiency (65% proficiency used as a passing standard for Regents prep). A high-school presenter said the district achieved a 94% graduation rate for a recent cohort and credited summer programming as a contributing support; the presenter attributed the figure to the summer-program team's work.

Board members asked questions about staffing ratios, particularly social-work coverage at the high school, and about recruitment and attendance—several board members urged continued outreach to families for students who are eligible but do not enroll. Presenters said the elementary program saw lower-than-eligible takeup as some families chose other summer activities; the district reported outreach calls had increased late enrollments.

Board members praised the programs and invited program staff to return with follow-up metrics in future meetings.","The district presented counts and program structures for elementary, middle, high school and extended-school-year summer programs, reporting more than 1,000 students at the high school programs, 410 at elementary programs and 269 at middle school programs; ESY served 132 scholars.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6467358,"Board spotlights buildings-and-grounds after summer projects; staff praised for rapid turnarounds",579,2405000,2984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186&start=2405&end=2984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186/thumbnail_2405000.jpg","/articles/6467358/New-York/Board-spotlights-buildings-and-grounds-after-summer-projects-staff-praised-for-rapid-turnarounds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467358-222da4e9cd0e835ce766392b72ebff8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448186&Signature=FHPJwzemR6k0BSTbuxZrwt-VKG3WDZy0yOdMUaualXgmVd2lfvBa5s69YFwJqwwbuq7pjbGZXw6drEHoo5YQ4gKZ5rrNDVjhetCaYPAx6SBF7HkECoz7moOJ8vvD-zGqghTi915GqHTDosfKR--~TAJhFrbu52wlPgytFGT3FdkXqXrlIu-MtFk4R7g6TFwKbRDi945eRekRouJPqRK8HERqSbp9kzvYiN4raPz4mpLqFyXtrZobIEeyJ~wez1edBR~w~a6MJ8p3xO3VphLBS-RWySF6vjfXF8BY8wnGDa4yBV4FEMhQ6MMTs-gbbwVnngHwWOXcumA4a98hBJb96Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Enlarged City School District of Middletown on Thursday highlighted summer maintenance and construction work across the district and publicly thanked custodial and grounds staff for preparing buildings for the new school year.

Acting Superintendent (presenter) introduced a facilities presentation and asked Bill Bartlett to describe the work completed by the district buildings-and-grounds crew. Bartlett said the crew focused on painting interior spaces at the high school, renovating offices and classrooms, servicing HVAC equipment and replacing compressors as needed, and refreshing playground mulch.

\"This summer, we spent the summer painting, doing a lot of painting in the high school with the hallways and stairwells and the mail the mail room,\" Bartlett said, describing work that also included new carpet and updated ceilings in the attendance office and the construction of offices and a conference room for the at-promise program.

Board members repeatedly thanked the crew and named visible projects: Cherry Street drainage work near the high school; new turf and baseball field work; door replacements at Monhagen Elementary; gym-floor reseals at Maple Hill; sealing of parking lots and an emergency boiler replacement at the Maple Hill Annex; and food-service freezer upgrades and parking reconfiguration at the district's food-service location.

Paul Norton, identified in the meeting as the district's director of facilities, and Al Valente, assistant director, were present along with custodial and grounds staff who introduced themselves and their home buildings to the board. Staff tenures ranged from less than two years to more than 25 years, and several board members noted the longevity as evidence of institutional knowledge.

Board members and the acting superintendent said the projects helped open the school year on time. The board viewed a short video compiled by the district communications team showing before-and-after images and site work completed over the summer.

Board members asked about upcoming work; Bartlett said the district is planning new flooring (terrazzo considered) for the events lobby, wall tile in a media-center corridor to reduce monthly repainting, and remaining phases of ongoing Twin Towers construction.

The board recognized staff with applause and individual acknowledgments. No formal votes were required for the presentation.","Board members recognized the district buildings and grounds crew for summer painting, HVAC and playground work and for building the new at-promise program offices; facilities staff described projects completed and planned.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6467364,"Board approves personnel memos, change orders and hires investigative firm; several abstentions recorded",698,1663000,2361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186&start=1663&end=2361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5798634-fa46f53bc4ff91703f329a6d31387186/thumbnail_1663000.jpg","/articles/6467364/New-York/Board-approves-personnel-memos-change-orders-and-hires-investigative-firm-several-abstentions-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467364-0f191aab37dbd7ba7956e15485b0209c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448186&Signature=KjEFkqSkMxPwUY3oQEm722i0mbw7ser7AL2Qjd7d2dra9woGTByKDjjxOwdQq5mZlDd-U0WJniFylZtb-VUMWN8a0tDYfdgfpzkmf~c-v-e65o0X~A~lJj3tDKouiNTUZuL~yQLuAUn6RFo7pmsP6IPCV7A43W1wuLTRXQ4hguUH6vuzUwLMmc91gK0qd~on9QGs-HLKnlF44wcndVJUS8lbLjLmUdR1-MJBy6xTwI8vPgA~HXgtU4rg5ahJEqdOHyK4czfAS2IWtUmr-yx~iQgUE9E9N-kbvU8i8yTuDXN~jymAPyTQIll-WewPuNHfFIxyTJ5Rb9wcAX~shRv7pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Enlarged City School District of Middletown Board of Education on Thursday approved a slate of routine personnel, financial and facilities items and appointed an outside investigative firm.

Board President Estrada called for a series of motions that passed by recorded voice vote or by unanimous consent. Most motions carried 9–0, though the board recorded abstentions on specific line items in two personnel memos and on a change order.

Among the formal actions, the board:
- Approved the meeting agenda (motion moved by Curtis Rhett; seconded by John Perino). Motion carries, 9–0.
- Approved consolidated minutes for meetings from Aug. 14 through Sept. 15 (moved by [Bias/Biosyn]; seconded by Pastor Williams). Motion carries, 9–0.
- Approved an administrative personnel memorandum (8A, item 1) (moved by Pastor Williams; seconded by a board member). Motion carries, 9–0.
- Approved personnel memorandum 8B (items 1–16). The board recorded one abstention on item 8B8 (abstention noted by Dr. De Jesus); the remainder of 8B was approved. (Mover: Pastor Williams; second: John Perino.)
- Approved noninstructional personnel memorandum 8C (items 1–13). Item 8C7 drew one abstention; the rest were approved. (Mover: John Perino; second: Pastor Williams.)
- Approved financial memorandum 9D (items 1–7). (Mover: John Perino; second: Drew Moore.) Motion carries, 9–0.
- Approved special services memorandum 7E (items 1–2). (Mover: Drew Moore; second: Dr. De Jesus.) Motion carries, 9–0.
- Approved change orders 5F (items 1–3). The board recorded an abstention on item 5F1 (conflict disclosed by Pastor Williams); items 5F2 and 5F3 were approved. (Mover: Pastor Williams; second: John Perino.)
- Approved APPR recertifications (mover: Curtis Rhett; second: Pastor Williams). Motion carries, 9–0.
- Approved amendments to the 2025–26 annual appointments (mover: [Bias/Biosyn]; second: Drew Moore). Motion carries, 9–0.
- Adopted a resolution appointing Ferrara Fiorenza, PC to provide investigative services and authorized the board president to sign an engagement agreement (mover: Miss Tobias; second: Pastor Williams). Motion carries, 9–0.
- Approved a stipulation of agreement providing stipends for two instructional leaders (mover: [Biasin]; second: John Perino). Board discussion clarified the stipends cover duties the acting assistant superintendent had been managing; the stipend recipients were named in the meeting as Tiffany Hall and Terrence McKernan. Motion carries, 9–0.
- Approved committee assignments for the 2025–26 school year (mover: Miss Debiason; second: Vice President Romero). Motion carries, 9–0.

All formal actions were taken in open session; when a member disclosed a conflict the board recorded an abstention on the specific item, and the chair read the applicable motion and tally aloud when votes were taken.

The board concluded by moving to adjourn; that motion carried 9–0.","At its Sept. 18 meeting the Enlarged City School District of Middletown Board of Education voted unanimously on most routine personnel and financial items, approved a contract with Ferrara Fiorenza PC for investigative services, and recorded a small number of abstentions on specific personnel and change-order items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenter alleges 'fear and intimidation' under former superintendent; calls for accountability

District reports more than 1,000 students served in summer programs; high school credit recovery, ESY and middle/elementary offerings detailed

Board spotlights buildings-and-grounds after summer projects; staff praised for rapid turnarounds

Board approves personnel memos, change orders and hires investigative firm; several abstentions recorded