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Board approves legal defense for employee named in suit; community asks how much district will pay
Summary
The Brentwood Union Free School District Board of Education on May 8 approved a resolution to provide legal defense and indemnification for employee Kevin Coyne in the civil action Rhonda Young v. Brentwood Union Free School District and Kevin Coyne, civil action number 225CB01789JMW.
The Brentwood Union Free School District Board of Education on May 8 approved a resolution to provide legal defense and indemnification for current employee Kevin Coyne in a civil action titled Rhonda Young v. Brentwood Union Free School District and Kevin Coyne, civil action number 225CB01789JMW.
The board’s resolution cited Education Law section 38(11) and Public Officers Law section 18, and authorized representation “by a law firm designated by NYSER” for this matter. Julia Burgos moved the motion; Lee Harmon seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.
During public comment and the ensuing question-and-answer period, residents pressed for details about how much the district expects to spend on legal fees and whether the community has a role in the decision. Elvia Salinas Caiolo asked, “How much of the district's money is being allocated for Kevin Coyne's legal fees?” The district response was that the amount is “unknown at this time.”
A public attendee, William Moss, asked about salaries of named staff and whether public salary records had been removed from third-party databases. District officials declined to discuss personnel matters in detail during the meeting but said they would provide public-record information through the district clerk where legally permissible. Legal counsel stated, “Madam president, it's an insurance matter. It's all been turned over to the insurance company at this point.” That comment was given by Dennis, identified in the meeting as district legal counsel.
The board vote records show the motion to indemnify and provide legal defense passed; the board did not specify a spending cap at the meeting. Officials told attendees that legal fees and counsel selection would be handled consistent with applicable law, district policy and the insurer’s procedures, and that staff would follow up on public-record requests through the district clerk.
No settlement or final legal disposition was reported at the hearing. The board’s resolution does not waive the district’s right to contest procedural matters in the underlying action, the resolution said.
