Public pressure over superintendent suspension, security resignation and forensic-audit questions; board approves independent investigator and continues audit

Residents and community members used the Feb. 25 Newburgh City School District Board of Education meeting to press for transparency on the district’s suspension of the superintendent and recent resignations in security and special-education staffing. The board approved an independent investigator for certain civil-rights and personnel matters, then tabled a related forensic-audit resolution. The meeting also included a multi-division budget presentation that highlighted rising special-education needs and technology and facilities requests.

"Imagine my shock and my chagrin when I notice in the agenda that he has tendered his resignation," resident Ronaldo Santiago said about the district head of security. "The safety and security of our students must be paramount and that requires visibility," Santiago said, urging the board to make the next security hire visible and accountable to the community.

Several speakers raised related concerns. Tracy Wallace asked about procurement and possible conflicts of interest tied…