BOE PREZ: Williams Placed on Administrative Paid Leave
NEVERSINK - Michael Williams, the superintendent of Tri-Valley Central School District, was arrested by New York State Police in Neversink on Friday evening, June 25 and charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated (DWI).
The confirmation about the arrest was published online by Troop F.
Board of Education President Keri Poley told The SullivanTimes Tuesday afternoon that Williams has now been placed on "administrative paid leave" but declined to say for how long or when and how that decision was made.
She said she could not comment further, citing a "personnel issue."
But a source with knowledge of the incident also told The SullivanTimes today that Williams - after leaving the Russian Mule Brewing Company on Denning Road in Claryville - struck a utility pole that temporarily halted power in the area. The SullivanTimes has reached out to the Russian Mule/Blue Hill Lodge for comment.
In his remarks Saturday, Williams told students: "Everyone struggles with their own challenges, no matter how perfect they may appear." In the YouTube video of the commencement exercises, Williams appears to have a gash on the right side of his head. (See screenshot below). The source who spoke with The SullivanTimes said that Williams did suffer a head injury in Friday's incident.
Williams, 60, a former principal at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School who was previously a music teacher in the Liberty Central School District, has been superintendent since July 1, 2018.
The Tri-Valley Board of Education has its reorganization meeting on July 8. (Board of Ed President Poley on June 22 lost the Republican primary to Michael Scagnelli for Town of Neversink judge).
As of 2019, Williams' salary was $166, 200, which is reportedly one of the highest salaries among superintendents in Sullivan County.
(This story will be updated as new information becomes available)
