Tuxedo teacher voices concern on student transfer

Warwick - A school teacher from Tuxedo Park has spoken out against the possible transfer of students to Warwick. John Kane, who lives in Warwick, is arguing that the transfer of Greenwood Lake high school students to the town will cause a huge headache and possible legal woes. The Warwick school board and Superintendent, however, had no faith in Kane’s words. Kane cited New York Education Law, which he said requires that should Warwick accept students from Greenwood Lake who were formerly educated at school in Tuxedo, the teachers must also transfer to Warwick with them. “In communication with NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) in Albany, their legal department has offered its interpretation that not only does 3014 C and D apply to the situation but there is legal precedent to support it,” Kane said. The legal precedent, Kane argues, compares to Warwick a situation that took place in a Long Island school district. Superintendent of Warwick schools Dr. Frank Greenhall responded, “Where you are wrong is in your interpretation of what a sending district is. I have in my possession from our own attorneys [legal advice], that quote the ... decision. That district took those students back themselves. Greenwood Lake is taking them back and tuitioning them to Warwick.” Greenhall continued emphasizing his conviction that the ruling would not apply in this instance. “We have not only the backing of our own attorneys but also the backing of Greenwood Lake attorneys, which also service the Tuxedo school district,” said Greenhall. “They all agree that Warwick has no responsibility under 3014 A, B, C or D to take any teachers from Tuxedo if students are transferred to Warwick.” As a teacher in the Tuxedo district Kane imagines his job would be eliminated if the transfer goes ahead. “My head is on the chopping block. I’ll be one of the first to lose my job. I’m also a resident of the district. I’m trying to be unbiased here,” Kane said. “What I’m looking at is potential legal fees; you’re talking about court cases…Why is it even moving forward?” Greenhall replied: “It’s moving forward because your information is incorrect and we don’t have to go to court to settle this. I think if they lawyers sat down and worked together they could come to a common denominator without a court battle.” Warwick school board member Stephen Baldino interrupted the discussion to say, “We haven’t taken any further action on anything with regard to Greenwood Lake. The board’s position is that we will bring information to the community and they will choose.” Greenwood Lake school district has made the transfer of students to Warwick its number one option, despite state approval to build its own high school. The proposed move of some 320 students would be phased in over three years, providing all the remaining obstacles are overcome. Those students currently, or as present agreements stand, will attend high school in Tuxedo Park, where they comprise 75 percent of the enrollment at George F. Baker High School.