Coleman must pay back premiums

PENN YAN—Yates County Judge W. Partrick Falvey has ruled Dundee Central School District teacher Douglas Coleman was not entitled to district-paid health insurance during his suspension.
On Aug. 31, Falvey reserved decision on an appeal made by the school district regarding three items related to a hearing officer’s decision. One was that the district continue to pay the insurance premium during Coleman’s suspension. On Oct. 1, Falvey ruled that the hearing officer had overstepped his authority in requiring the district to pay the premiums. Coleman has 30 days to repay the money to the district.
Dundee Central School Board of Education Vice-President James Koehler said the matter will not go back to the hearing officer. He is hopeful a ruling will be made fairly soon on the district’s intent to dismiss Coleman from the staff.
Several school board Associations in the state are working to eliminate the law that prevents districts from firing tenured teachers who have had serious disciplinary problems.