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Poughkeepsie Superintendent Accuses School District Of 'Emotional Distress'

The Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent is thinking of suing her own school board.

Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent Nicole Williams

Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent Nicole Williams

Photo Credit: Poughkeepsie City School District

Superintendent Nicole Williams has filed a notice of claim against the board for $1 million, citing "emotional distress."

In the claim,  Williams' attorney, Stanley Silverstone, the board's actions have cost her $13,567 in legal fees and irreparable harm to her reputation.

Williams and the school board have been butting heads over teacher transfers. Williams disputed a board vote that placed a moratorium on involuntary teacher and administrator transfers for the 2017-2018 school year. Williams attempted to transfer two teachers, who she said did not comply with her orders.

Williams filed a complaint with the state Education Department commissioner against the board and the teachers, claiming they violated education law and her contract. An attorney for the school board said the transfers were done for retaliatory reasons.

State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia sided with Williams and said the district had to transfer the teachers and invalidated the moratorium. 

In her claim, Williams claims the board investigated whether students properly graduated without telling her. The board did not give Williams a complete copy of their report and hired a lawyer with no experience in education law, Williams said.  Williams was never interviewed during the investigation, she said.

To view the notice of claim, click here.

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