ASD replaces Northwest Principal; rumors circulate about incident that led to change

In what came as a surprise move to many, the Amityville School District replaced Stacey Fischer, the principal at the Northwest Elementary School, effective Monday, June 15. While school officials, including Superintendent John Williams and School Board President Michele Sikhrangkur, declined to discuss the details of the decision because it involved personnel issues, information from within the community indicated that the Superintendent and the School Board had concerns about Fischer's ability to maintain professional control over the school.

Sources said that an incident took place at an event being held at the school recently and that there was drinking going on. A parent approached the principal complaining, saying it was inappropriate and apparently did not get an adequate response from Fischer. She then notified school officials.

While the incident could not be confirmed by school officials, what is known is that Fischer was immediately suspended, and a non-tenured teacher and the assistant to the director of special education were fired.

All school officials would say is that Fischer has not been placed in another position but is still employed by the district. Under New York State Education law, Fischer, who has tenure in the district, is entitled to challenge the school's decision through an official hearing.

Meanwhile, in her place at Northwest is interim principal Loretta Marshall.

Williams said that the board met on Friday and made the decision to replace Fischer that following Monday, and that the transition went smoothly.

"I immediately put an announcement on our Connect Ed system, advising all the parents in the district about the change and the interim principal met with staff, introducing herself. Marshall also sent a letter home with the students last week about the change.