Investigation Launched into Use of Wooden Boxes at Salmon River Central School District in New York
Salmon River Central School District in Fort Covington, New York, is investigating allegations that elementary students were confined in wooden 'timeout' boxes following images circulated on social media and accusations by a former board member. The district serves about 1,300 students, over 60% of whom are Native American, and is located near the New York–Canada border.
In response to the allegations, the district placed three officials, including an elementary school teacher, on leave, while the superintendent was reassigned to "home duties." The district is cooperating with an investigation by the New York State Education Department.
The superintendent acknowledged that three crates were set up at two elementary schools but stated that the boxes have been removed and that no student was ever confined inside them. At a community meeting, parents expressed concern that their children may have been inside the boxes; a minimally verbal child described one box as the place you go to calm down.
Some community members linked the controversy to the history of abusive Native American residential schools. Governor Kathy Hochul described the allegations as highly disturbing and called for the state's independent education department to swiftly investigate and address the situation.
Jason Brockway, the district's board president, issued an apology, stating that the events do not reflect the district's values or standards of care.
