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Brentwood board authorizes lawsuit against SUNY-approved charter proposals, approves personnel and facilities items
Summary
On Oct. 16 the Brentwood Union Free School District board authorized outside counsel to sue to block several SUNY-approved charter school proposals, appointed a new elementary principal, and approved multiple personnel and facility agreements, including a use-of-facilities exemption and a union MOA for release time.
The Brentwood Union Free School District Board of Education on Oct. 16 authorized outside counsel to initiate litigation opposing SUNY-approved proposals to establish the Academy Charter School and approved several routine personnel and facilities items.
In a walk-in resolution the board authorized the law firm Bonn, Schonick and King, PLLC to "initiate and proceed with litigation and any legal actions to oppose the approval and establishment" of the Academy Charter School proposals, which the resolution said were approved by SUNY. The motion was made by Hassan Ahmed and seconded by Brandon Garcia; the chair declared the motion carried by voice vote.
At the same meeting the board approved the appointment of Farrah Padro as elementary principal for a three-year probationary term, effective Nov. 3, 2025, with salary per the negotiated agreement between the Brentwood Union Free School District and the Brentwood principals and supervisors organization (BIPSO). The appointment was moved by Hassan Ahmed and seconded by Brandon Garcia.
The board also approved an exemption to Board Policy No. 1500 to permit Dominate Dance Studio to use the Brentwood High School Law Center auditorium and the small cafe on Dec. 14, 2025, from 3–8 p.m.; the motion was moved by Julie Burgos and seconded by Cindy Sepherick. Separately, the board authorized the president to execute an agreement dated Oct. 16, 2025 with Local 237 City Employees Union (International Brotherhood of Teamsters) modifying language that provides for union release time in the parties' collective bargaining agreement; that motion was moved by Julie Burgos and seconded by Sunisa Ferri.
Board members approved multiple consent items earlier in the meeting, including personnel action reports, by voice vote.
Why it matters: The board's authorization to pursue litigation signals active district opposition to the new charter proposals; the appointment and routine approvals set staffing and operational details that affect schools in the coming months. The MOA on release time may change negotiated work rules for represented staff.
What’s next: The litigation authorization allows the district's retained counsel to begin legal steps opposing the charter approvals; the newly appointed principal's term begins Nov. 3, 2025. Several items were approved by voice vote without a recorded roll-call tally in the public transcript.
Sources and evidence: The board's resolutions and motions were read and approved during the Oct. 16 business meeting and are reflected in the district's board packet and the meeting record.
