The Salmon River Central School District in rural upstate New York is under investigation following allegations that an unruly student was placed in a wooden box.
The disciplinary practice allegedly violated state education laws prohibiting the use of restraint and seclusion. The district’s director of special education, along with an elementary school principal and teacher, were placed on administrative leave until further notice. District Superintendent Stanley Harper was reassigned to “home duties pending a full investigation,” according to a Dec. 18 statement.
“We recognize the pain, concern, and distress these events have caused, and we are truly sorry for the harm and trauma this has resulted in for our community,” Board of Education President Jason Brockway said in the statement. “We want to be clear: the circumstances surrounding these allegations do not reflect the values and standards of care that guide this district.”
The Salmon River District, located near the Canadian border, serves a large population of Native American students. The elementary school where the incidents allegedly took place is located on the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation, though the district includes the nearby town of Fort Covington outside of the reservation.
Classes at all grade levels were held remotely on Dec. 18–19 in order to accommodate the ongoing investigation at district facilities, Brockway said.
The district did not provide further details on the situation, including the use of time-out boxes, also referred to as “calming stations,” or what events triggered the Board of Education’s action.
Hellbound and Down 