The Lakeland Central School District said allegations that staff members used physical force in the classroom are now being handled by law enforcement.
“Upon learning of the allegations, the District took immediate action consistent with its legal obligations and is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities,” Superintendent of Schools Karen Gagliardi said in a districtwide letter obtained by Yorktown News.
Legal counsel has advised the district that further details cannot be released at this time. District officials declined to answer any further questions about the incident. A spokesperson said “please be advised that [the superintendent’s letter] is our official statement at this time.”
“The safety and well-being of our students is and always will be the District’s highest priority,” Gagliardi said in the letter.
The letter did not specify in which of the district’s schools the incident occurred, but multiple sources have indicated the situation unfolded at the Van Cortlandtville Elementary School. The matter falls outside the jurisdiction of the Yorktown Police. Yorktown News has reached out to the agencies with jurisdiction in that section of Mohegan Lake—Westchester County and New York State Police—for comment.
The district said support resources are available for students and staff, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and emergency response teams.
Gagliardi emphasized that, while the matter remains under investigation, the district is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff.
This is a developing story.
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