Dozens of Newburgh students suspended after dangerous rise in violent incidents

A viral video obtained by News 12 shows what appears to be the latest uncontrollable violence at Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus.

News 12 Staff

Dec 13, 2021, 10:58 PM

Updated 1,031 days ago

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Dozens of students in Newburgh are now suspended from school - and a private security firm has been hired - after a dangerous rise in teenage violence there, including a boxing match in a bathroom last week.
A viral video obtained by News 12 shows what appears to be the latest uncontrollable violence at Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus. This time, students put on boxing gloves Friday for an unauthorized show inside a bathroom.
Fists flew the same week officials promised more security after students were beaten days before during a security breach.
District administration there has yet to answer any of News 12's repeated questions about what’s going on or student safety, and News 12 was turned away when trying to see someone in person.
The high school’s principal addressed the bathroom boxing match online in a single sentence, by saying safety is a top priority.
Plans for a newsletter highlighting “wonderful things going on” were also announced and people were asked to write in - not with concerns - but about students and staff “doing great.“
Newburgh school officials responded to News 12's questions late Monday by email, accusing News 12 of embellishing facts to sensationalize stories after a district source within the school’s administration said that 100 students were suspended and private security hired due to the recent violence.
School officials say half that number of students have been suspended, but for a variety of issues, and that private security has been hired only to fill vacant positions.
Parents are urged to attend Tuesday’s board meeting online for a presentation about “supporting student wellness.” It begins at 6 p.m.
The fate of their suspended superintendent, Roberto Padilla, is also expected to be addressed.