Message from the Board of Education

Dear Warwick Community,

The Board of Education is aware of social media posts and subsequent news reports regarding alleged misconduct involving a member of the Warwick Valley High School staff and takes allegations of this nature very seriously. As elected officials and as parents ourselves, we understand the concern these situations create. Allegations involving staff go to the core of what matters most to our community; the safety and well-being of our children. Upon becoming aware of the concerns, the District Administration immediately initiated an investigation, and the staff member was immediately placed on administrative leave and will not return during the investigative process.

We also recognize that questions have been raised about how the District is handling this matter. We believe it is important to provide clear information about the process that is required under New York State law.

State law draws a clear distinction between allegations of child abuse in a domestic setting and those alleged to have occurred in an educational setting. Allegations involving school personnel fall under what is defined as Child Abuse in an Educational Setting and are governed by New York State Education Law Article 23-B and related Commissioner’s Regulations.

In these circumstances, the law requires an initial investigation by the building principal, followed by a review by the Superintendent to determine whether there is reasonable suspicion that abuse, as defined by law, has occurred. This step is required before any report is made to law enforcement or the State Education Department. It is not discretionary, and school officials are obligated to follow it.

If the investigation evidence creates reasonable suspicion; i.e. evidence that is specific, credible, and grounded enough that a reasonable person would think relevant misconduct may have occurred, the District must immediately report the matter to law enforcement and, where applicable, the New York State Education Department. If that threshold is not met, the law requires that the matter be fully documented and maintained in a confidential file.

A thorough investigation requires careful fact gathering, including interviews with students, staff, parents, and others who may have relevant information, as well as review of available documentation and evidence. This work often involves multiple interviews and follow-up steps and must be conducted deliberately to ensure that conclusions are based on a complete and accurate understanding of the facts.

New York State law requires school officials to first conduct an initial review of allegations of child abuse in the educational setting involving school staff before making a report to law enforcement. For this reason, law enforcement involvement follows the completion of this required initial review. However, any parent, student, or community member can contact the police at any time if they believe a crime may have occurred. 

To support the integrity of this process, the District has engaged a retired police detective to consult with the Principal and Superintendent during the ongoing investigation. The detective is providing guidance on investigative practices and evidence handling to help ensure that interviews and the collection of information are conducted appropriately. The Board and administration are also working closely with legal counsel to ensure that all actions are consistent with state law and protect the rights of all individuals involved.

We recognize that for some members of our community, these concerns extend beyond process to questions of trust and confidence. The Board takes its oversight responsibilities seriously and remains actively engaged to ensure that this matter is handled appropriately, thoroughly, and in accordance with both the law and our responsibility to students and families. The Board remains committed to ensuring that concerns brought forward by students and families are heard and taken seriously, and that decisions are guided solely by the best interests of students. The Board has confidence that the administration is carrying out its responsibilities in accordance with the law and with the care and professionalism this matter requires.

As with any matter involving students and personnel, there are necessary limits on what can be shared publicly. Those limits are in place to protect the privacy and well-being of students, including any alleged victims, to ensure a fair process for all involved, and to avoid creating conditions that may discourage individuals from coming forward with concerns. For that reason, the District does not typically comment at this level of detail during an active investigation. However, given the volume of public discussion, we believe it is important to provide clarity about how the law dictates the process.

We understand that waiting for answers is difficult. This matter is being addressed with care, diligence, and professionalism, and our focus remains where it belongs, on maintaining a safe environment for students and upholding our responsibilities under the law.

We will continue to provide information as we are able within those legal and confidentiality requirements.

Sincerely,
Warwick Valley Central School District
Board of Education