Complaint seeks Westbury school officials' removal

Westbury School District is Corrupt!

In 2005 and 2007 two female teachers complained to Central Administration, Clark and Root, about inappropriate comments made to them by the principal, Darnell Powell. They, central admin., investigated the allegations and found validity to the claims. Instead of dealing with the principal, Clark and Root transferred the teachers. Now in 2008 two other teacher's filed sexual harassment, and retaliation claims with the New York State Dept. of Human rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, EEOC, against Darnell Powell, and the Westbury School District. Both NYS Dept. of Human Rights and the EEOC has or will soon give the teachers the right to sue the school district.. Powell has been known to make inappropriate comments to students as well as teachers. A student has given a written statement telling what he said to her. now there are rumors that he will be returning to the district. When Powell worked in the district as a guidance counselor in the mid 1900 there were issues of inappropriate comments and touching of teachers. What is he holding over Clark that is causing her to commit legal suicide for this district and the taxpayers?

\Did the internal investigatin find Powell guilty of sexual harassment?

taxpayer wrote:

\Did the internal investigatin find Powell guilty of sexual harassment?

YES, the internal investigation found Darnel Powell guilty of sexual harassment towards the guidance counselor and guilty of violating the districts sexual harassment policy.

is this the same darnell powell that worked at smithtown middle school as an assisitant principal?

Yes Smithtown, this is the same darnel powell who worked in smithtown as an AP.

Is there only one middle school in Westbury? When was this principal employed in Smithtown?

clarkneedstogo wrote:

Yes Smithtown, this is the same darnel powell who worked in smithtown as an AP.

I find this outrageous. I worked with him for a few years and I found him professional. I can't believe we are speaking of the same person. I am in shock!!!

I am also surprised as I worked with him for a few years and never heard or saw anything linking him to inappropriate behavior.

These charges I believe are bogus, I heard the guidance counselor was about to get fired and the union looking to support her. Last ditch effort to keep her job. I worked with him and know that he definitely wouldn't do this.

Was there a case on Mr.Powell in 2005 or 2007 ? If there was then i am sure there would of been some form of conviction if found valid. This sounds like you need to report real/true facts or nothing at all.

Report the TRUTH PEOPLE.

This is CRAZY. Darnel Powell has always been a smart, respectful, hardworking young gentleman. He is a PROFESSIONAL. Mr. Powell stands for the CHILDREN. I do not understand why this tarnishing of his reputation has come about. I do know that I believe in him.

westburytaxpayer wrote:

Westbury School District is Corrupt!
In 2005 and 2007 two female teachers complained to Central Administration, Clark and Root, about inappropriate comments made to them by the principal, Darnell Powell. They, central admin., investigated the allegations and found validity to the claims. Instead of dealing with the principal, Clark and Root transferred the teachers. Now in 2008 two other teacher's filed sexual harassment, and retaliation claims with the New York State Dept. of Human rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, EEOC, against Darnell Powell, and the Westbury School District. Both NYS Dept. of Human Rights and the EEOC has or will soon give the teachers the right to sue the school district.. Powell has been known to make inappropriate comments to students as well as teachers. A student has given a written statement telling what he said to her. now there are rumors that he will be returning to the district. When Powell worked in the district as a guidance counselor in the mid 1900 there were issues of inappropriate comments and touching of teachers. What is he holding over Clark that is causing her to commit legal suicide for this district and the taxpayers?

I've had the opportunity to read and decipher what you have written about this particular school official. You write as though you are speaking from experience or as if you have a personal ax to grind. That is just how it sounds to me, so don’t take it personal. But honestly…which is it? I have tried to follow this story because it means something to me. I am looking to move to the LI area and there have been some issues in the past with LI and some school districts, but what I have read thus far on this issue seems a bit far-fetched. How is it that you claim to know so much about this situation? You claim there was an investigation in ’05 & ’07 and validity was found, but no recourse towards the principal was taken. How sure are you that something should have been done to the principal and that validity was there? Do you have it from a good source that this was the reason for the teachers being transferred out? Now, you bring us up to date with 2008 and two additional teachers filing sexual harassment charges. Also you state that Powell has been known to make inappropriate comments to students as well. Even as a guidance counselor you say that there was inappropriate behavior. Something just does not sound right. If all of this was supposedly happening, something would have been done. Are you sure that you have all of your facts correct? You speak of legal suicide and what someone might be holding over another, it sounds more like fear on your part or someone trying to divert the attention. You seem as though you are trying to organize a lynch mob and from what’s been posted nobodies biting. I think what you really need to do is come with more substantial information instead of this hearsay that you are shuffling about.
The Lord states,“What is done in darkness will always come to light”, so if what you are saying is true then just sit tight and let it flow. But if what you have started ruins a man livelihood and family life because of personal feelings, then you really should be careful. Things have a way of backfiring.

I worked with Mr. Powell for 5 years and found him to be an absolute professional. I do not believe any of these allegations. As for the line "Both NYS Dept. of Human Rights and the EEOC has or will soon give the teachers the right to sue the school district.." No one has to give you the right to sue. Anyone can sue for anything. This all sounds like garbage to me, dangerous garbage, as this poor man's reputation is being ruined by gossip and innuendo. What a shame!