Dear Members of the Waterford-Halfmoon School Community,

On behalf of the School District and the Board of Education, we are writing to provide clarification and information regarding an ongoing personnel matter that has generated attention within our school community and on social media. Unfortunately, there is a significant amount of misinformation and speculation being shared on social media regarding this matter.

District personnel matters are managed and addressed by the Superintendent of Schools, who then reports his findings and recommendations to the Board of Education for discussion and determination of an appropriate course of action moving forward.  

This process is designed to ensure a fair and thorough review and response on the part of the district.  As part of this process, it is not unusual for a school district to place an employee on paid administrative leave to permit the District to review matters in a comprehensive manner.  

As is often the case with personnel matters, there is a frustration with the perceived lack of communication from the Superintendent and Board of Education.  Please recognize that this perception is not the District’s desire but a necessary part of any review for the benefit of all those involved. At this time, this remains an ongoing personnel matter, and as such, the District is unable to provide further, specific comment. 

At this stage, the role of the Board of Education remains to consider the recommendations of the Superintendent and its legal counsel and to make decisions in the best interest of the District, its employees, and students. In accordance with the Education Law and District policy, no individual Board member is directly involved with decisions pertaining to matters involving faculty, students, and/or staff, and the Board may act only as a whole and then only in accordance with law and policy.     

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work through this important matter and ask that you avoid spreading misinformation or speculation regarding this issue for the benefit of those involved.

If you have questions regarding this matter, please reach out directly to the Superintendent at (518) 237-0800 extension 3309.

Sincerely,

Michael Healey, Superintendent and Members of the Waterford-Halfmoon Board of Education