Attorney General investigating Valley Stream Central High School District after controversial replacement of Principal Candace Hugee
Valley Stream Central High School. Credit: Newsday/Andrew Singh
The state Attorney General's Office is looking into the Valley Stream Central High School District's employment practices following complaints related to a principal replaced under controversial circumstances earlier this year, district and state officials confirmed Tuesday.
"The Valley Stream Central High School District is aware of an investigation of the district’s employment practices initiated by the New York State Attorney General's office," Superintendent Wayne Loper said in a statement. "The District is fully cooperating with the Attorney General’s office regarding the investigation. We remain committed to our mission of providing a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination and harassment for all staff and students."
A spokesperson for the attorney general's office confirmed that it was reviewing complaints related to former Valley Stream Central High School Principal Candace Hugee. The spokesperson declined to specify the nature of the claims, and it was unclear who filed them.
Hugee resigned April 17. The month before she stepped down, Loper had announced that Bret Strauss, principal of Memorial Junior High School in Valley Stream, would replace her. He took over the position July 1.
Before Hugee resigned, her attorney, Frederick K. Brewington, had suggested race may have been a factor in the district's decision to replace his client, who was not tenured.
"My initial review of the matter leaves me deeply concerned about the actions of the school district, in particular with regard to their actions against this African American woman," he told Newsday.
Brewington had previously provided Newsday with a copy of a letter he sent the district, dated April 1, alleging Hugee was subject to "mistreatment, abuse and differential treatment that raises serious questions about your District's awareness." The letter also claimed the district retaliated against Hugee for complaining about the treatment and the discrimination of others.
The attorney general has the authority to investigate claims of civil rights abuses and discrimination within the education system.
In a statement provided to Newsday on Tuesday, Brewington said, “We are aware that the Attorney General's office is interested in the practices of the Valley Stream Central School District. Our client is cooperating fully with the investigation, and we hope that our assistance will bring some change to the district.”
Brewington has said his client was “blindsided” by the announcement that she was being replaced.
The news also stunned some parents and students, who called for greater transparency from district officials. An online petition requesting the district retain Hugee drew more than 900 signatures.
Hugee received a $150,000 payout and was granted tenure under a settlement agreement obtained by Newsday via a public records request. While the district did not admit any wrongdoing, it noted the payment was for emotional distress Hugee allegedly suffered during the employment dispute.
Loper previously said in a statement to Newsday, "The dispute regarding this matter has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties."
Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.
