Cohoes school meeting ends as staff demand answers over alleged assault

Staff and alumni who showed up to a special school board meeting in Cohoes left disappointed Wednesday.

The deputy director was allegedly attacked at school by the director of establishments. Today, one resigns and the other is accused of assault.

The school board was set to accept the resignation of Facilities Director James Stapleton, who was accused of attacking Assistant Superintendent Dan Martinelli. But attendees shouted about the statement prepared by the board. Vice-chair Margaret Giller adjourned the meeting, saying there would be no public comment period.

Stapleton faces assault and harassment charges, but according to Martinelli, he faced no consequences at school.

“I had a good relationship with the board and I'm very surprised that they gave him a golden parachute,” he told NewsChannel 13 after the meeting.

Martinelli's assistant also resigned after she too said she was a victim of Stapleton's attack that day.

“Two great people were seriously impacted and we are going to lose two great people in our community because of this,” said Sandra Kipp, a registered nurse with the district.

Several former students came to support Martinelli. He was Sarah Walsh's middle school principal.

“I was a troubled kid at times,” she said. “He was the main person I would look forward to talking to if I had to go into the office. We are proud of Cohoes Tiger, and if you hear about a teacher or even a person you went to school with who has things wrong with them, you should stand up, and I think that this is what Cohoes taught us.

The district sent NewsChannel 13 a statement from Superintendent Peggy O'Shea. It said in part: “While I am unable to comment on specific personnel matters, please know that we thoroughly and impartially investigate all complaints of workplace violence and take appropriate action based on the findings. »

It goes on to say: “We have zero tolerance for any form of violence in our schools, workplaces and facilities, and we will continue to rigorously uphold this standard. »

Board members told attendees they may make public comments at the June board meeting.

Daniel Martinelli sent a letter of resignation after being attacked by a colleague. Martinelli said he was punched in the face and pushed into a closet.

His last day will be June 28.

Teachers, students and parents will gather at the special school board meeting. It's 6 p.m. in the college library.

Martinelli sent NewsChannel 13 this statement:

“I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position with the Cohoes School District after being the victim of an unprovoked act of workplace violence committed by the Cohoes Facilities Director on April 16. Despite the attack, I chose not to retaliate, remaining faithful to the principles of non-violence that we strive to instill in our students.

“For the past twenty years, I have dedicated myself to serving the Cohoes community as an assistant principal, middle school principal, and assistant superintendent. My unwavering commitment has been to foster strong community connections, support the growth of our exceptional teaching staff, maintain a visible presence, develop innovative programs to benefit Cohoes students, and celebrate the accomplishments of our families and students. students.

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave the district, as I am deeply saddened and disappointed by the way this incident was handled. The lack of appropriate action taken by the district has led me to the conclusion that I can no longer continue my work here.

“As I reflect on this troubling event, I question the district's commitment to the safety and well-being of its staff. The incident sparked a wider debate about the need for schools to take a strong stance against workplace violence and to support victims of such acts.

“My resignation reminds us of the far-reaching consequences of violence and the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members of the educational community. I hope the Cohoes School District addresses this issue head on and works to rebuild trust with staff, students and families.

“As I move forward, I will continue to uphold the principles I have championed throughout my career and I remain committed to supporting the education and well-being of students, even as I step away from my role in the Cohoes School District.“