HOME OF THE SHAMROCKS
The Salmon River Central School District Board of Education has launched an investigation into the conduct of school administrators following allegations of student mistreatment in the district.
Earlier this week, the board was made aware of allegations from parents concerning restraint and seclusion in the form of wooden boxes used as calming stations at district schools.
The board has now launched an independent investigation to be conducted by a law firm beginning today, Thursday, Dec. 18, to objectively review the circumstances. The board is also cooperating with a New York State Department of Education (NYSED) investigation.
After learning of the allegations, the board at its Dec. 17 meeting reassigned Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stanley Harper to home duties pending the full investigation. Salmon River Director of Special Education Allen Gravell, St. Regis Mohawk School Principal Alison Benedict and elementary school teacher Karrie Haverstock were placed on administrative leave by the district until further notice.
The board has also been informed that representatives from the NYSED Office of Special Education will be conducting a monitoring site visit this week to confirm the removal of all boxes. NYSED will also conduct a subsequent site visit to ensure alternative appropriate calming spaces are available for students that comply with state regulations.
The entire Salmon River Central School District Board of Education wishes to express its deepest regret for the situation, and vows to support meaningful, actionable changes to ensure that situations like this never occur again.
“The Board of Education extends its sincere apology to our students, families, and community members who have been deeply affected by the ongoing situation. We recognize the pain, concern, and distress these events have caused, and we are truly sorry for the harm and trauma this has resulted for our community,” said Board President Jason Brockway. “We want to be clear: the circumstances surrounding these allegations do not reflect the values and standards of care that guide this district. The Board of Education is committed to ensuring that every student is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and that our schools are safe, supportive environments for all learners. We acknowledge how this situation has evoked very deep emotions. We understand that for many in our community this incident has reopened historical wounds and trauma connected to the mistreatment of Native Children. We hear you. We are humbled by the public response, and we feel the pain and fear expressed by our community.”
Brockway said this investigation will be thorough, impartial, and taken with the utmost seriousness and the district will fully cooperate with the NYSED investigation.
“The Board is fully committed to accountability and to implementing corrective actions as warranted by the findings. We will continue to keep the community informed throughout the investigation process, recognizing that rebuilding trust requires sustained action, not words alone,” Brockway said.
Out of an abundance of caution for student and staff safety, classes at Salmon River schools shifted to remote learning for Dec. 18 and 19 to allow time for the investigation to begin.