Newburgh, New York School Worker Put On Leave After Speaking Out

A Newburgh school district worker was reportedly put on administrative leave just one day after speaking out at a school board meeting about severe staffing cuts

A Newburgh School Custodian Spoke Out At A Board Meeting About Staffing Cuts.

A custodian at Newburgh Free Academy stood up at a school board meeting this week to sound the alarm about what he says are dangerous staffing cuts leaving one of the Hudson Valley's largest high schools in poor condition.

It may have cost him his job.

Curtis Burnett, an Army veteran and custodian at NFA, told the school board that the building has gone from eleven custodians down to just three. A fourth custodian splits time between NFA Main and a second building, Horizon on the Hudson, running back and forth between both.

Burnett said three people simply cannot maintain a building the size of NFA, and that the consequences are already visible.

"The building is disgusting," Burnett told the board. "I have pictures on top of pictures on top of pictures. We need help."

For all the news that the Hudson Valley is sharing, make sure to follow Hudson Valley Post on Facebook, and download the Hudson Valley Post Mobile App

Comes In 3 Hours Early To Clean, Security Guards Pulling Double Duty

Burnett adds the situation has gotten so bad that NFA security guards have stepped in to help with custodial duties. That includes cleaning cafeteria tables, helping with spills, and carrying equipment from supply closets.

He made clear he's not criticizing the security staff; he's praising them, while making the point that their willingness to help is masking a staffing crisis that the district needs to address.

He also disclosed that he regularly comes three hours before his paid shift begins and works without compensation to keep the building from falling further behind. Overtime, he said, has been cut.

"How many people work for free here?" he asked the board. "I feel used and mistreated. All I'm asking is someone to hear what I have to say."

He Was Placed On Leave The Next Day.

The day after his public comments, Burnett was reportedly placed on administrative leave and stripped of his duties.

"This, folks, is an act of BLATANT retaliation," a concerned Newburgh resident wrote on Facebook. "This is common practice in a district that has many, many secrets to hide. Not the first time this has happened to employees who have integrity."

Change.Org Petition Started

Shortly after news broke of Burnett being placed on leave, a Change.org petition was created to support him in his position at Newburgh Enlarged City School District.

"For nearly two decades, Curtis Burnett has been a dedicated and committed employee of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. Trusted by colleagues and respected by the community, Curtis has shown an exceptional work ethic and always moves with integrity. He has served not just as an employee, but as a mentor and role model for countless students and staff members," the petition states.

As of this writing, over 1,000 people have signed the petition. CLICK HERE to sign it.

Hudson Valley Post has reached out to the Newburgh Enlarged City School District for comment. The full statement is below:

The district takes seriously any concerns regarding staffing, working conditions, and the cleanliness and safety of our schools.
The referenced statements made during Tuesday evening’s Board of Education meeting do not provide a complete or accurate picture of the circumstances. We currently have 14 employees on our custodial staff at NFA Main Campus.
Staffing is determined based on a number of factors, including building size and configuration, student and staff populations, operational needs, scheduled events, and the scope of work required to maintain a safe, clean, and appropriate learning environment. The district reviews operational and staffing matters on a regular basis. We remain committed to ensuring that all of our schools are appropriately maintained and that our facilities meet the standards our students, staff, and families deserve.
Because personnel matters are confidential, the district cannot comment on or confirm the employment status or circumstances involving any individual employee, including any personnel action that may have been taken.
Employees are expected to accurately report all time worked, and the district does not authorize employees to work without compensation, based on their contract.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide the district's perspective.