Lake Placid School Suffering

Lake Placid School is facing a new challenge this holiday seasons. The superintendent is facing a complaint from one of his principles. Dr. Randy Richards is the one who the complaint was filed against. The principal by the name of Katherine Mulderig is filing charges against the aforementioned person, according to the Press Republican.

“I filed a complaint under Title VII discrimination for gender bias, sex discrimination and harassment in the place of employment with the EEOC.I can’t comment further because I will probably be filing a lawsuit under Title VII in the end of January,” Mulderig said. “It’s a federal lawsuit. The Justice Department handles education lawsuits. And that’s all I can say, sorry.” stated Mulderig.

Both parties insinuated that it was a personal issue and neither wanted to expand more on the topic. The school district is hot about the issue and some people are demanding that Richard’s step down or even resign from his current position. Apparently Richards has apologized to the staff but for some that is not enough. Goddeau is one of the teachers who has taught at the school for over twenty years. Richards apparently called the teachers of the school “bitchy.” All of the women teachers are highly offended and think it’s gender discrimination. “There are only three male teachers and a principal who’s male at Lake Placid Elementary School. Yes, I would say the comment is directed at women.” stated Goddeau.

The acts put forth by the man being sued were very unprofessional; at least that is how the majority of teachers feel in this situation. “I could not believe that an administrator would say something like that about people he didn’t even know. He said this in February and had only been there since July. The teachers give their heart and soul to the children at the Elementary School. They are professionals. I think the thing that’s really bothering me, as a former teacher, is the fact that he’s saying he sent a formal letter of apology. He did not send a letter of apology; he sent an email.” Goddeau said.

The whole community is in an uproar about the whole situation. Of course, everyone in the community has a right to say something about the issue. It’s the right of the taxpayers, students and community. Students are not afraid to speak out in this situation but are also being respectful of the other administrators. It’s no secret as to how the community really feels. Most students are asking for the superintendent to resign from his current position.

It will take some time to sort through this “political” mess but as time moves on, everything will be solved. It’s important that school continues to function as normal and that teachers are able to express themselves. The teachers who have been offended are moving forward with the actions they think is best.