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MONTROSE, N.Y. Officials at the Hendrick Hudson School District are remaining tight lipped about an investigation into staff members selling marijuana to one another in Hendrick Hudson High School.
In the first public meeting since news of the incident surfaced district officials said they could not comment on the ongoing investigation, or any parties involved. Superintendent Daniel McCann essentially reread a letter sent out to anyone subscribed to the districts email alert system.
The allegations regarding several members of our staff should not reflect on all of us, said McCann. Those who violate that standards will be disciplined. McCann said he is committed to respect and protect the privacy of individuals involved.
An email titled Recent Events, was sent district-wide Monday evening, in which the superintendent essentially repeated facts that had been widely reported in the news media, including that the investigation involved the sales or distribution of marijuana in the high school between teachers, that New York State Police interviewed several staff members, and that a school district-led investigation is ongoing.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the shadow these accusations place on our community, families and students, wrote McCann. I know how difficult it has been for our students to endure the additional media presence and scrutiny these last few days. I know our students are committed to ensuring their education continues in our high school and will not be deterred or sidetracked by these recent events. Students will learn, teachers will teach, and together, as a community we will move forward.
No teachers have formally resigned in connection with the investigation. After the investigation came to light, a letter was sent out by high school Principal James Mackin to parents of Hendrick Hudson High School students announcing the extended leave of a high school teacher, who remained on leave as of Friday Feb. 17. The teacher is tenured and details involving the circumstances of his leave have not been released. District officials would not comment on whether the teacher is part of the investigation.
McCanns email said the investigation began when his office was informed there was a reasonable suspicion that marijuana was being sold or distributed among staff members in the high school. New York State Police were called in on Monday, Feb. 13, although did not cull enough evidence to press criminal charges. New York State Police said all evidence obtained during their investigation was handed over to district officials.
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