Student and parents urge action after alleged misconduct in Saugerties wrestling program

Eighth grader Eve Rupert told the Saugerties Central School District board on Sept. 9 that she was disturbed to learn of "unlawful acts" involving some girls on the wrestling team and their former coach and said she felt unsafe because she believed adults in the building had known and not reported them.

"For me, knowing that adults in the building knew about these crimes and decided not to share them with authorities makes me feel unsafe," Rupert said. She described being upset that other students were being publicly discussed while many were no longer competing and said the situation had affected her ability to participate in other activities.

At the same meeting, a longtime community member and parent who identified herself as Lauren urged the board to pursue accountability after recent staff removals and a district attorney statement the speaker said had detailed years of cover‑ups. "This is not a rumor or exaggeration. It is our reality," the parent said, urging leadership changes when necessary and greater transparency.

Board members repeatedly thanked speakers for coming forward and said they hear the community's pain. Administrators described steps the district is taking, including trauma‑informed training for staff, restorative practices and a promise to continue investigations where appropriate. Several board members encouraged anyone with information to bring it forward and noted that some personnel actions are handled through internal and legal processes.

The district did not announce specific disciplinary outcomes or criminal findings during the public meeting. Board leaders said they would continue to coordinate with appropriate authorities when allegations involve potential unlawful conduct and to review policy and training to bolster student safety.