Parent questions administrator's status

SHOHOLA — Delaware Valley School District officials said on Thursday they could not discharge an administrator based on a drunk driving arrest last fall. Parent Deanna Margiore last Thursday questioned officials about the work status of Delaware Valley Middle School Assistant Principal Mark McElroy, who was cited by Port Jervis, N.Y. police in late November. Margiore called the incident and McElroy’s continued employment “an embarrassment to the district.” She compared the incident to the district’s “no-tolerance” expulsion policy for drug and alcohol possession on campus by students. “How many kids are expelled, tossed out on the street?” she asked. Superintendent Dr. Candis Finan would not address charges about McElroy, but defended district policy. “For the record, we don’t toss children out in the street. We educate until they are 18 or 21 or they complete their educational requirements.” At Finan’s direction, Solicitor Michael Weinstein responded saying that while “no one disagrees with your concerns, the incident does not rise to the level of removal in PA. It just doesn’t.” Margiore then asked why McElroy still retains his disciplinary position. “I respond to the legal issue. That’s a personnel matter that can’t be discussed in public,” Weinstein replied, adding, “I don’t know what else to tell you.” Asked what McElroy’s current status is, Finan replied, “He’s in his job.” “And there are no consequences? Nothing changes? He stays on the job?” Margiore asked. “At this point; yes,” Finan said. Weinstein said a repeat incident could bring a different result. “Repetitive behavior is different.” “We are paying attention,” said acting board Chair Deborah DuCharme. Asked later about the comparison to school policy, Weinstein said policy covers issues on school property. “He wasn’t cited here.” But Margiore in turn noted students are drug tested and can suffer penalties for their actions off school property. McElroy has not attended school board functions since the incident and did not respond to a Courier request for his comment.