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Veterans, parents and cadets ask East Aurora board to reinstate NJROTC instructor Michael Curley after dismissal
Summary
Multiple speakers at the Jan. 13 East Aurora School District 131 board meeting urged the board to reinstate Commander Michael Curley, the district's former Naval Science instructor, citing his military service, program results and lack of an employment contract.
Multiple veterans, parents and cadets urged the East Aurora School District 131 board of education on Jan. 13 to reinstate Commander Michael Curley, the district's former naval science instructor, after his dismissal following a Veterans Day parade error.
Those who spoke at the public comment portion said Curley, a 35-year Navy veteran who led the district's NJROTC program, has strong ties to students and the community and had worked for the district without a formal contract. "I respectfully request the opportunity to return to campus and continue to lead great cadets, and also with a contract," Commander Michael Curley said, identifying himself as the former naval science instructor at East Aurora High School.
The comments detailed the circumstances that preceded the dismissal and argued the district's response was disproportionate. Jerry Paulson, speaking for local veterans and Aurora AMVETS Post 103, said Curley's removal was made "without any notice or discussion" and described the timing as particularly damaging to morale. Parent Ginger Ingram recounted program achievements under Curley's leadership — including national unit awards and two congressional nominations for cadets — and said the termination should be reconsidered. Molly Curley, identified in public comment as Curley's daughter, described the personal toll on the family and asked the board to reinstate him.
Speakers described the Veterans Day incident as a mistake arising from a missing American flag during a parade and said Curley ensured cadet safety during the event. Several speakers said Curley had been promised a contract earlier but that no formal agreement had been delivered; Curley said he had been in his position since Aug. 30, 2021 and that contractual work had not been completed as of December 2024.
Board members did not take action on the dismissal during the meeting. The remarks occurred during the public comment period and were recorded for the meeting minutes; board members did not announce any immediate investigation or vote related to the NJROTC instructor's employment during the session.
The public comments also noted the program's scale: Curley said the unit has "nearly 400 cadets," and speakers listed community partnerships the program had built with local organizations and museums. Requesters asked the board for reinstatement or at minimum an opportunity for Curley to be heard by an impartial panel.
The board's formal business for the night proceeded after public comment. No motion to reinstate or to reopen the dismissal was offered on the floor during the Jan. 13 meeting.
