Community seeking answers from CCSD over alleged teacher suspensions

CATSKILL, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — On Monday, school officials in Catskill held a meeting behind closed doors after two days of protest over the alleged suspension of two employees. Many students supported music teacher Michelle Storrs and Principal Junait Shah, holding up signs with phrases stating, “Save Shah and Save Storrs.”

“We’re here tonight demanding that the school board, the school superintendent, the assistant superintendent, and the human resources director call to action a meeting now,” Andrew Hollida, Senior at the high school, said. “Where they will let the public speak, where we can make our voices heard.”

Especially since this has become a personal matter for many students in the district who support Principal Shah.

“Mr. Shah has been my principal from 6th grade up until 12th grade, so we feel that it’s important that he stays in the community. He helps the community,” Fabian Rose-Bernard, a High School senior, said.

According to protestors, these staff members were suspended over an incident at the school.

“A student reported Michelle Storrs because of a musical rehearsal that we had,” Madison Mudge, a high school student, said. “In the rehearsal, it was said that she forcibly put a piece of tape on my mouth -which is not true.”

This situation led to the alleged suspension of the principal and the music teacher.

“The only side that they are listening to is the person reporting it,” Madison Mudge said. “We have tried getting in contact with the administration, the superintendent, and HR again to have an interview with them or talk to them trying to tell my side- but denied both times.”

Madison’s mother, Christine Mudge, also tried contacting the school administration but was denied.

“As a parent of the child who was supposedly harmed in this entire incident, they refuse to speak to us,” she said.

Thousands have signed an online petition seeking answers from the school district.

“The district is trying to get rid of these two incredible people who bring the most amazing,” Erik Kirch, a high school junior, said. “Optimistic people were removed from our district, and I think that’s obviously not okay.”

And even many parents like Jamie Story are upset that the school is not providing a public forum for the community.

“We are absolutely distraught as a community. I don’t think they realize -the higher-ups- that we are not stopping until Mr. Shah and Ms. Storrs are back into this building,” she said.

According to a post on the district’s website, there was a meeting with the school district’s attorney, and it was closed to the public because of attorney-client confidentiality. The night ended with more questions, but many said they would be back to protest until both teachers return.

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