Tuxedo students stage walk-out after beloved principals seemingly fired without notice
District Superintendent Jeffrey White wrote a letter to the community saying Dr. Michael Cogliano will take over as interim principal at the elementary school, and John Xanthis at the high school.
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Dozens of upset students in Tuxedo staged a walk-out Tuesday after two beloved principals were seemingly fired this week without notice.
The students were heard chanting, “We want Reese! We want Reese,” outside of the George F. Baker High School just after noon.
“Both of them, at the same, time is very strange to the whole community,” said graduating senior Maya McColgan.
The Tuxedo Union Free School District issued a letter to shocked parents and students Monday saying their elementary school principal, Dolores Terleckey, and high school principal, Roy Reese, were let go and replaced - just days before the end of the school year.
“Dolores Terlecky and Roy Reese will no longer be active in the Tuxedo Union Free School District,” it read. “We thank them for their contributions and wish them well in the future.”
Students say they are confused and upset by the sudden change.
“We are devastated. We were looking forward to Mrs. Terleckey and Mr. Reese being here, handing the seniors our diplomas,” said McColgan.
“Everybody is sad,” said freshman Jack Reilly. “They are a bright spot in everyone’s day. The heart of the school.”
Dr. Michael Cogliano is now appointed interim principal at George Grant Mason Elementary School, and John Xanthis will serve as interim principal at George F. Baker High School.
The students started a petition to get their principals back.
“Our superintendent refused to give answers,” said junior Aleandra Scully. “We have been shut out and constantly told it’s not our issue to deal with, when it is.”
Students were heard continuing to chant, ‘We want Reese,’ in unison as they were ushered back into the high school by staff. News 12 reached out to the Tuxedo Union Free School District to explain why both principals were seemingly fired but they had no comment.
MORE: Change.org Petition
