Public commenter presses board on repeated FOIL lawsuits and redactions

During public comment, Jerry Lee of Stormville raised a string of allegations about past and ongoing lawsuits involving the Carmel Central School District and questioned the district's use of FOIL redactions and its handling of personnel changes.

Lee cited a 2009 suit over handling of a facilities director position, alleged a pattern of reworking job titles and pay increases to retain staff, and asserted the district was sued in 2022 regarding FOIL matters and remains involved in litigation. "Freedom of information means all the information that is legally allowed to be given, not leave out the stuff that you want to or that maybe makes you look bad," Lee said.

He also asked whether repeated settlement amounts (he cited two settlements of $115,000) have a reporting threshold or other administrative trigger. The board did not provide new details on open litigation during the public comment period; trustees and the superintendent acknowledged FOIL questions and said they would look into the legal and procedural issues.

The board's public records and legal process are matters of public interest; members asked administration to follow up with clarifications and to ensure redaction practices comply with law and district policy.