Salmon River educators placed on leave over allegations that students were locked in box

FORT COVINGTON, New York (WWNY) – Educators in the Salmon River Central School District have been placed on administrative leave, and the superintendent has been reassigned amid allegations that special needs students were restrained in wooden boxes at school. In addition, the district has shifted to remote learning for Friday. “The Salmon River Central School District Board of Education has launched an investigation into the conduct of school administrators following allegations of student mistreatment in the district,” the board stated. The board said it’s in response to allegations that students were restrained and secluded inside wooden boxes used as “calming stations.” Officials said a law firm is conducting the investigation. The board said it’s also cooperating with the state Department of Education’s probe. After learning about the allegations, the board said it “reassigned Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stanley Harper to home duties pending the full investigation. Salmon River Director of Special Education Allen Gravell, St. Regis Mohawk School Principal Alison Benedict and elementary school teacher Karrie Haverstock were placed on administrative leave by the district until further notice.” It concluded: “Out of an abundance of caution for student and staff safety, classes at Salmon River schools shifted to remote learning
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