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Parent asks Saranac Lake board to back student after National Technical Honor Society denial
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Summary
A parent alleged that FEH BOCES and the Adirondack Educational Center used inaccurate attendance data and an informal policy to block his daughter’s induction into the National Technical Honor Society, and asked the Saranac Lake board to send a letter of support and press for an appeal; the board said it has limited authority but will inquire.
Christopher Caldwell, a parent, told the Saranac Lake Central School District board that his daughter was denied induction to the National Technical Honor Society and asked the board to issue a letter supporting her and to press FEH BOCES/Adirondack Educational Center to reverse the decision. He said the denial was based on an “informal attendance policy” that was not properly communicated, relied on factually incorrect data and denied the family any transparent appeal process.
“This denial represents a systematic failure of procedural due process,” Caldwell said, and added that medically necessary treatments were recorded as unexcused absences and used as the primary reason for the disqualification. He cited the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as potential bases for a civil-rights violation and said he has notified the state education commissioner and is considering the 30-day window for administrative review.
The board’s presiding member (Chair) said the district’s authority over BOCES policy is limited and that, while sympathetic, the board could not unilaterally overturn BOCES decisions. The Chair said, “I don't have enough information from the other side on this,” but offered to ask the BOCES representative and make an inquiry on the family’s behalf. The Chair also thanked Caldwell for submitting a written letter in advance and said the district would follow up if there is a mechanism for district involvement.
Caldwell asked whether a BOCES representative (identified in his remarks as Rick Retrosi) could serve as a bridge between the two entities; the Chair replied that remedies lie with the BOCES superintendent and the family may pursue the state-level appeal option within the statutory window. Caldwell said he was considering that route while asking the board to formally document its concerns and encourage FEH BOCES to correct administrative errors.
What happened next: the board did not take formal action on the request that night. The Chair said he would inquire with the appropriate BOCES contact and report back to Caldwell. Caldwell noted the possible 30-day filing window with the state Commissioner of Education and said the family was “strongly considering” that administrative appeal.
Why it matters: the dispute raises two issues for the district’s students: how third-party BOCES programs apply attendance policies to home-district students, and whether schools provide timely notice and a transparent appeals process when eligibility for honors or program placement is at stake. Parents and students affected by similar procedures could face loss of honors, scholarships and program access if attendance is recorded incorrectly or appeals are unclear.
Next steps: the Chair said he would inquire with the BOCES representative and follow up with the family; Caldwell indicated he may pursue the Commissioner of Education’s administrative review within the 30-day window.
