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MONTROSE, N.Y. The Hendrick Hudson Board of Education held a special board meeting Thursday night, which immediately went into closed executive session. The board meeting was scheduled after news of an investigation involving the possible possession and/or sale of marijuana among the staff of Hendrick Hudson High School came to light. The board would not comment on the investigation or offer specifics as to which employee the special meeting concerned.
Hendrick Hudson Board of Education President Marion Walsh read a prepared statement after the meeting, saying school board members were, "deeply saddened, appalled and angered, by the allegations that came to light last week."
She said, "We expect all our teachers to act as role models for our children," and, "We know the alleged actions of a few do not reflect all."
She did not take any questions from members of the press present.
Neither board members, nor the district superintendent would offer comment on which employee the meeting pertained to. An agenda for the special meeting, sent out Tuesday afternoon to members of the press, said the meeting would regard a specific person or matters leading to the promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person.
Before the board entered executive session, Walsh said all matters listed would be discussed "except promotion."
After the investigation came to light, a letter sent out by high school Principal James Mackin to parents of Hendrick Hudson High School students announced the extended leave of English teacher Tom Oliva. Mackin did not say why Oliva was taking an extended leave, but said, "I am sure there are questions that you may have regarding Mr. Oliva's leave, and I will address them to the extent that I am able."
According to New York State Education Department officials, if a person is found guilty in the investigation conducted by the district, a report will have to be submitted to the Office of Teaching Initiatives. The report will only be made public if persons involved in the investigation are found guilty.
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