State Ed Department dismisses appeal brought by Kings’ parents

WARWICK — The acting commissioner of the state Education Department has notified the Warwick Valley School District that she had dismissed the appeal filed by Michael H. Sussman on behalf of the “AD HOC Committee to Save Kings Elementary School and Daniel Jackson as Representative Parent.”

Sussman filed the appeal in response to the School Board’s decision to close Kings Elementary School.

In her decision, acting Commissioner Elizabeth R. Berlin noted the following:

“Decisions about school district reorganization and the closing of school buildings are within the discretion of a board of education and will not be set aside.”

“A board of education has the authority and responsibility to manage and administer the affairs of the school district, including the assignment of pupils to schools therein.”

“The record reflects that, prior to voting to close Kings School, respondent studied costs, capacity, transportation, program and budgetary impacts.”

“Petitioners’ mere disagreement with respondent’s findings and decision do not provide a basis to overturn respondent’s decision.”

“On the record before me, therefore, I find that respondent’s decision was not irrational, arbitrary, capricious or contrary to sound educational policy.”

In the district’s press release announcing the decision, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Raymond Bryant said: “We are pleased with the Acting Commissioner’s decision on this appeal. I’m confident that the Board of Education acted appropriately.”

He added: “I’d like to reassure parents that our building principals have plans to make the transition for students to their new schools as smooth as possible.”