Athletic director and assistant principal Jeff Alger will be returning to Schoharie Central School.
At another emotionally-charged board meeting Wednesday, school board members by a count of 4-3 agreed not to accept Mr. Alger's resignation in July.
Parents and students once again pack the high school cafeteria to praise Mr. Alger and urge board members not to accept his resignation.
After hearing from at least 10 parents and students from the crowd of about 250 and then meeting behind closed doors for 45 minutes, board members agreed not to accept Mr. Alger's resignation as of July 19.
Board member James Bleau, Dan Guasp, Nancy Liddle, and Terry Burton voted not to accept the resignation. Board members Linda Isles, Marion Jaqueway and Barbara Monsees voted to accept the resignation.
Almost everyone remaining in the audience in the cafeteria stood and erupted in loud applause after the vote was official.
There was no discussion by board members before the vote was taken.
On Thursday, Mr. Alger, who has been at SCS for slightly more than a year, said he is looking forward to returning to the school.
"I'm going to be coming back," Mr. Alger said, "and continue what I've been doing."
He will have to meet with district officials on July 1 before returning to the district.
"I'm very humbled by the support from the students and parents. It's a great community. I'm really proud of them. It makes me proud as an educator that I'm making a difference."
He wants to work with Principal Stacey DeLaney and Superintendent Brian Sherman.
"I'm just going to come back and do my job...I'm happy to work with those kids."
Asked about the next step for the district, Mr. Sherman responded that he could not answer that directly as board members have asked him to initiate a number of items and he will need a short time to develop those and get them in place.
"There will be a re-entry plan," he added.
Parents and students once again voiced strong support for Mr. Alger at the meeting.
"He's good for the spot," student Dustin Finch said. ""He knows how to talk to the kids."
Parent Scott Warner suggested that the board talk with Mr. Alger in executive session, without Mr. Sherman in attendance, before making the decision.
"It makes common sense to hear both sides."
The board did not meet with Mr. Alger in executive session.
He added, "A board that ceases to listen to the community ceases to be effective."
Mr. Warner also said that he had been told by staff members that if they attended the meeting, that their job would be in jeopardy.
This accusation was strongly denied by Mr. Sherman.
"Neither I nor any of the administration have made that comment."
Shawn Gathen, the head of buildings and grounds added that comment was not made to himself or his staff.
Students and parents told board members that Mr. Alger was good for the district.
"He reached out to the kids," according to parent Stephanie Sheppard. "Nobody cared about them until they showed up at the DA's office. We can't lose Mr. Alger or you'll lose most of the kids in this school."
Parent Bob Brown added, "He's good for our community, he's good for our kids...Let's do the right thing."
Student Rachel Randazzo told board members, "Kids now are not afraid to use our voices and say what they believe...Why can't you just listen to us and do what we want? We want Mr. Alger to stay...Keep the reason we are happy."
She talked about switching schools if Mr. Alger did not stay.
"I've bled blue and white since I came here in 2003. I'm not afraid to move if I'm not happy."
Her mother Gretchen Randazzo added, "We're here for a positive man. Save Mr. Alger."
After parents and students were done with their comments, Ms. Isles stated, "It's been extremely important to us all. We've taken this very seriously...We are here for the same reason."
In two other personnel matters, board members approved a settlement agreement with "employee A", but turned down a stipulation of agreement and release with "employee B" by a count of 4-3.
Mr. Sherman stated that he could not provide an explanation or further information on those resolutions.