Updated

Updated · Newsday · Jul 7

New York AG Probes Valley Stream District Employment Practices After $150,000 Hugee Settlement

Updated

Updated · Newsday · Jul 7

New York AG Probes Valley Stream District Employment Practices After $150,000 Hugee Settlement

Q: What led state investigators to probe a school district's employment practices after a successful principal's sudden replacement?

State investigators were prompted by complaints surrounding the abrupt ouster of Valley Stream Central High School principal Candace Hugee, especially allegations that the district’s employment decisions may have been discriminatory and retaliatory. The key trigger appears to have been claims made after Hugee, an African American woman, was unexpectedly told she would be replaced by Bret Strauss and then resigned in April. Her attorney, Frederick Brewington, said race may have played a role because Hugee had not yet received tenure, and he accused the district of “mistreatment, abuse, and differential treatment.” He also alleged the district retaliated after Hugee complained about discrimination. The controversy drew wider attention because Hugee had been seen by many as a successful principal. During her tenure, the school’s graduation rate reportedly rose to 99% and AP pass rates to 79%. Parents and students said they were blindsided by her removal, demanded transparency, and backed a petition to keep her. Further scrutiny came from the district’s settlement with Hugee. Newsday reported she received $150,000 for alleged emotional distress and was granted tenure, even though the district did not admit wrongdoing. That combination of discrimination complaints, retaliation allegations, public backlash, and a financial settlement appears to have led the New York attorney general’s office to examine the district’s employment practices.

1 articles · Updated · Newsday · Jul 7

State investigators are reviewing complaints tied to former Valley Stream Central High School principal Candace Hugee, whose replacement and April 17 resignation triggered controversy in the district.
Hugee's attorney had alleged mistreatment, retaliation and possible race-based discrimination against the non-tenured principal, saying she was blindsided when Superintendent Wayne Loper announced Bret Strauss would replace her.
Strauss, previously principal of Memorial Junior High School, assumed the high school post on July 1 as the district said it was fully cooperating and remained committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment.
A $150,000 settlement granted Hugee tenure and compensation for alleged emotional distress, though the district admitted no wrongdoing; the dispute had also drawn more than 900 petition signatures from parents and students seeking transparency.
The attorney general's office can investigate civil-rights and discrimination claims in schools, putting the district's handling of the personnel dispute under broader state scrutiny.