Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Misconduct Investigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge investigation after allegation a Schenectady staff member mocked graduating student
Summary
Several public commenters told the Schenectady City School District board that a staff member photographed and allegedly mocked a graduating student wearing an ankle monitor and asked the district to investigate and publicly report findings; the superintendent said concerns are reviewed but some next steps must remain confidential.
Several community members pressed the Schenectady City School District board on alleged mistreatment of a graduating student, saying a staff member photographed the student’s ankle monitor and that the images were later used to mock the student.
Ellie Pepper, a Schenectady resident, told the board she had seen photographs taken by a staff member of a graduating student wearing an ankle monitor and said she had "heard allegations that the photos were shared and the student was mocked." She urged the board to "determine the facts and be transparent about [its] findings," adding, "Regardless of a student's circumstances, every student deserves to be treated with dignity and respect by the adults entrusted with their education." (Ellie Pepper)
Resident Sean Ratigan said the incident occurred at graduation on June 25 and that community members have identified online a woman they believe took the photographs. "It has been nearly a week now and I'm not aware of any official action being taken at this moment and I urge the school district to perform an investigation and address this horrible behavior immediately," Ratigan said.
Superintendent Dr. Cotto told the board the district takes concerns seriously and that each concern is "carefully reviewed, thoroughly investigated and addressed," while noting that specific next steps may not be shared publicly because of privacy and confidentiality requirements. "Please know that every single concern brought to our attention is carefully reviewed, thoroughly investigated and addressed," she said.
Board members did not announce a public disciplinary action on the record at the meeting. The president later moved the board into executive session to "discuss matters leading to the discipline of a particular person and personnel matters relating to a particular employee" and said the board did not anticipate taking action immediately following that executive session. The motion to enter executive session carried.
The public commenters asked the board to investigate promptly and to disclose what steps, if any, are taken. Board officials said they review concerns and may need to protect privacy during an investigation; the transcript does not indicate the outcome of any internal inquiry, and the allegation remains unresolved in the public portion of the meeting.
The board meeting continues to include routine business and the district said it will follow its personnel and confidentiality protocols while reviewing the claim.
