Matter of Erikson v Schenectady City Sch. Dist.

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Matter of Erikson v Schenectady City Sch. Dist. 2023 NY Slip Op 33006(U) August 28, 2023 Supreme Court, Schenectady County Docket Number: Index No. 2022-0828 Judge: Michael R. Cuevas Cases posted with a "30000" identifier, i.e., 2013 NY Slip Op 30001(U), are republished from various New York State and local government sources, including the New York State Unified Court System's eCourts Service. This opinion is uncorrected and not selected for official publication. INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 SUPREME COURT STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY In the Matter of the Application of JUSTINE ERIKSON, DECISION AND ORDER RE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION WITH RESTRAINING ORDER Petitioner, -against- Index No.: 2022-0828 SCHENECTADY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, SCHENECTADY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION , Anibal Soler, Jr. , Superintendent in his individual capacity , Catherine A. Lewis , Board member in her individual capacity , Bernice E. Rivera , Board member in her individual Capacity, Erica Brockmyer, Board member in her Individual capacity , Nohelani Etienne , Board member In her individual capacity , Princel la Learry , Board membe r in her individual capacity , Ann M. Reilly , Board member in her individual capacity and Christina Howard , Principal , in her individual capacity , Respondents. NOTICE: PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 55 OF THE CIVIL PRACTICE LAW AND RULES, AN APPEAL FROM THIS JUDGMENT MUST BE TAKEN WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER SERVICE BY A PARTY UPON THE APPELLANT OF A COPY OF THE JUDGMENT WITH PROOF OF ENTRY EXCEPT THAT WHERE SERVICE OF THE JUDGMENT IS BY MAIL PURSUANT TO RULE 2103 (8)(2) OR 2103 (8)(6), THE ADDITIONAL DAYS PROVIDED SHALL APPLY, REGARDLESS OF WHICH PARTY SERVES THE JUDGMENT WITH NOTICE OF ENTRY. APPEARANCES : Carlo A. C. de Oliveira , Esq ., Cooper Erv ing & Savage , LLP , Attorneys for Petitioner Justine Erikson Anthony J. Brock, Esq ., The Law Office of Anthony J. Brock , Attorneys for Respondents Schenectady City School District and The Schenectady City School District Board of Education MICHAEL R. CUEVAS, J. 1 [* 1] 1 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 I. INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 INTRODUCT ION By an Order to Show Cause , re turnable June 10, 2023 , Petitioner Justine Erikson ("Erikson") seeks an Immediate Stay of Enforcement of the Schenectady City School District Board of Education 's (the "Board 's") resolution that terminated her appointment and employment. 1 22 NYCRR 202. 7 (f). The Order to Show Cause provided that until the hearing and determination of the Orde r to Show Cause , the termination of employment was to be enjoined and restra ined . Th e underlying Verified Petition and Complaint seeks a declaratory judgment under CPLR Section 3001 , and a writ of certiorari and mandamus to review the Board 's decision to terminate Erikson 's appointment and employment as a tenured teacher with the Schenectady City School District (the "District") Under CPLR Article 78. In support of her claims , Petitioner asserts tenure by estoppel ; that the denial of tenure was contrary to law ; that the denial of tenure was arbitrary and capricious , and the denial was made in retaliation for her exercise of her First Amendment rights. The District and the Board oppose the Petition and the tempora ry restraining order and prelim inary injunction. Th is Court finds that because Erikson has demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits on the basi s of tenure by estoppel , the risk of irreparable harm , and that the balancing of the equities leans in her favor, there is no need to evaluate her other bases for her claim for purposes of determining the preliminary injunction. Accord ingly , Erikson has established entitlement to a stay of the enforcement of the determination to terminate her emp loyment effective on June 24 , 2022 pending hearing and decision on her Petition . STATEMEN T OF FACTS II. A. AFFIDAVIT OF JUSTICE ERIKSON Erikson is a certified Elementary Education School teacher who has taught in New York State for 23 years .2 She began her career as an elementary education teacher in the The Ord er to Show Cuse wa s accompan ied by a memo ran du m of law and a motion for leave to ex ceed page limitation. The Motio n was not brought pri or to t he filing of t he Order t o Show Ca use. It asks for permissio n to submit the memorandum tha t exce eds th e 7, 000 word lim it becau se it is in supp ort of the Ve rifi ed Petition and Compl ain t an d th e app licat ion for inju ncti ve re lief with restra inin g order . It does not contain a factual affi davit. Despite t he proced ural questio ns, this Court will acce pt and grant the motion and cons ider th e entirety of the arguments and law presented. 1 2 Erickson Aff. f/1. 2 [* 2] 2 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 Lansingburgh Central School District ("Lansingburgh ") in Troy, New York . 3 She was employed with them from 1998 to 2004 .4 She was granted tenure in Lansingburgh effective August 31 , 2001, in the area of elementary education. 5 Erikson resigned from Lansingburgh to take a second grade position with the Saratoga Springs City School District ("Saratoga ").6 She began working for Saratoga in 2004-2005 school year. 7 On September 1, 2006 , two-years after her probationary period was over she was granted tenure . 8 She rema ined emp loyed with Saratoga until 2009 , when she resigned due to pregnancy complications . 9 Barbara Messier was her hiring Principal and Janice White was the Superintendent of the Saratoga Springs City School District while she was there. 10 Erikson did not receive an annual professional performance review ("APPR ") as such review did not exist at the time. 11 In 2014 , Erikson worked at St. Kate ri Tekakwitha Pa rish School where she was employed until 2016. 12 She resigned from St. Kateri to accept a position as a Bu ilding Substitute Teacher at Paige Elementary School , which is part of the District. 13 She began at Paige on November 16, 2016 , as the only Building Substitute Teacher.14 Erikson 's appointment was for a term from December 5, 2016 to June 23 , 2017 . 15 A Build ing Substitute Teacher is entitled to the same benefits as a regular substitute teacher. 16 During her period of employment she reported every day, for a full-day (7:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m .). 17 She worked in many different classrooms and prepared lesson plans to teach those classes . 18 She was relied on .19 When Erickson Aff. 1/2. Erickso n Aff. 1/2. 5 Erickson Aff. 1/2 . 6 Erickson Aff. 1/2. 7 Erickson Alf. 1/3 . 8 Erickson Aff 1/4. 9 Erickson Aff. 1/4. 10 Erickson Aff 1/3 . 11 Erickson Alf. 1/4. 12 Erickson Alf. 1/5. 13 Erickson Aff 1/5. 14 Erickson Aff 1/6. 15 Erickson Aff 1/6. 16 Erickson Aff 1/8. 17 Erickson Aff 1/9. 18 Erickson Aff. 1/9. 19 Erickson Aff. 1/9. 3 4 3 [* 3] 3 of 21 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 she was not solely teaching a classroom , she worked to aid Alicia LeGere in her classroom , helping with students that needed one-on-one instruction . 20 The instruction was seamless . 21 Schenectady uses a general education co-teach model , and this classroom was taught similarly.22 Only certified teachers can co-teach a class . 23 When co-teach ing with LeGere , she also created and wrote lessons .24 Upon the end of her time as a Building Substitute teacher, Erikson was appointed as a probationary elementary school teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary School (" Pleasant") on September 20 , 2017 , effective September 1, 2017 , which is a part of the District. 25 Erikson asserts that she has now learned that her probationary period was supposed to be three years , and her time as a Building Substitute Teacher should have been considered . 26 This should have made her probationary period end date as December 5, 2019 . 27 As she did not know that her probationary period should have ended , she continued to work as a second -grade probationary teacher at Pleasant. 28 During the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years , her principal was Sean lnglee , and her APPR score was "Effective" and "Highly Effective ." 29 lnglee suffered an injury and left the school during the 2018-2019 school year. stepped in as acting principal. 31 30 Tiffany Giardano, Schenectady then began a search for candidates to take over the principal position vacated by lnglee . 32 Erikson was asked , and agreed to be on the Interview Committee . 33 The committee consisted of Tiffany Girandano , George Jenkins , Celia Adone , Mesiti and Michelle Mosteller. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Erickson Aff Aff. Aff Aff Aff Aff. Aff. Aff. Aff. Aff Aff. Aff. Aff Aff Aff 34 Christina Howard was one of the candidates f/10. f/10. f/11 . f/11 . f/12. f/14 . f/14 . f/14. f/15 . f/16. f/17. f/18. f/19. f/19 . f/19 . 4 [* 4] 4 of 21 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 interviewed. RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 35 The interview committee members were asked to provide commentary in writing . 36 They interviewed 2 to 3 candidates . Erikson , among other committee members , did not feel that Howard was the best candidate for the principa l position . 37 Erikson wrote , "as a district administrator she did not speak to the district's high leverage practices. "38 Th is refers to teacher strategies while planning and teaching . 39 In spite of the committee 's concerns , Howard was hired as the Pleasant principal by the Board effective October 7, 2019 through October 6, 2023. 4 ° Covid-19 shut down school in March 2020 . 4 1 In February 2020 , Erikson wrote an email to Howard asking about her tenure appointment: Is this my tenure year or is it next year? This is my 3rd full year in the district. I have been tenured in both the Lansingburg and Saratoga Sp ri ngs school districts. If this is my tenure yea r when is my portfolio due? Thanks , Justine. 42 Howard responded that Erikson's probationary period would end on September 1, 2021 . Howard detailed that NYS law provides for a 4 year probationary period , even with previous tenure. 43 However, in March , 2020 , prior to the Covid- 19 shut down , Erikson received a letter from Christiana Mahoney , the District Director of Human Resources , stating that she was eligible for an abbrevi ated probationary period due to her prior tenure in other schools . 44 The letter requested that she complete a Tenure Verificat ion Form and return it to the Distri ct Office. 45 Erikson completed the form on March 17, 2020 , which included a confirmation letter from Saratoga , that she was tenured on September 1, 2006 . 46 Erickson Aff. Erickson Aff. 37 Erickson Aff. 38 Erickson Aff. 39 Erickson Aff. 40 Erickson Aft. 41 Erickson Aff. 42 Erickso n Aff. 43 Erickson Aff. 44 Erickson Aff. 45 Erickson Aff. 46 Erickson Aft. 35 f/20. 36 f/20. f/20. f/20. f/20. f/21 . f/22. f/22 . f/22. f/24. f/24. f/25. 5 [* 5] 5 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 At the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year Erikson received an APPR score of Effective. 4 7 During the 2020-2021 school year, the District went through a significant series of layoffs. 48 Acting Superintendent, Dr. Aaron Bochniak, included both remote and hybrid classes. 49 Erikson volunteered to teach hybrid classes. 50 After winter 2021 , Howard began to criticize her work . 51 In early March 2021 , Howard told Erikson that she was not recommending her for tenure. 52 She was asked to sign a Juul agreement extending her probationary appointment to August 31, 2022. 53 As she did not know that she should have already been appointed tenure , Erikson signed the Juul agreement for fear of being terminated . 54 In April 2021 , Howard placed her on a Teacher Improvement Plan ("TIP) , which is generally only done for a teacher that has received a rating of "developing or ineffective through an annual professional performance review." 55 8 NYCRR 30-2. 11 .56 Erikson became concerned about Howard 's treatment of her. 57 She was suspicious when during the first TIP meeting Howard gave her a pile of materials to review that included the district's "High Leverage Practices" Handbook. 58 Howard explained that she wanted Erikson to include these practices in her classroom , which was not possible due to Covid 19 protocol. 59 Erikson asked Howard to review her tenure binder for comments , but Howard appeared upset that the binder was prepared , and Erikson felt that her reaction meant that Howard never intended to recommend her for tenure . 60 Erickson Aft 'f/26. Erickson Aft 'f/28. 49 Erickson Aft 'f/28. so Erickson Aft 1/28. 51 Erickson Aft 'f/29. 52 Erickson Aft 1130. 53 Erickson Aft 1/30. 54 Erickson Aft. f/30. 55 Erickso n Aft 1/31 . 56 Erickson Aft 1/32. Erikson contends that according to the regulations she also should not have been placed on a TIP until October 1, 2021 . 57 Erickson Aft 'f/33 58 Erickson Aft. 'f/33. 59 Erickson Aft 1/34 . 60 Erickson Aft f/35. 6 47 48 [* 6] 6 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 In May 2021, Erikson asked for Bochniak to assist her, despite being told by colleagues that when Howard found out, she would deny her tenure . 61 On June 4, 2021 and July 16, 2021 , she met with Bochniak, and they also exchanged emails . 62 Bochniak was impressed with her work. 63 She asked about the possibility of a tran sfe r to another schoo l in the district as she felt she was not being evaluated fairly . 64 Unfortunately, Bochniak left to become the Assistant Superintendent of the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES. 65 Erikson cont inued to teach her second grade class at Pleasant during the 2021-2022 school year. 66 She continued to meet with Howard , and also Sarah Meixner (her union representative), as part of her TIP. 67 During one meeting , Howard stated that Bochniak had observed her not teaching her class , which Erikson asserts cannot possibly be true as he never entered the classroom during that time period to observe her. 68 Howard observed Erikson three-times during the 2021-2022 school year. 69 In the first observation she was rated effective in 11 out of 14 categories . 70 Howard also conducted the second and third observations, which Erikson claims vio late Education Law as at least one observation must be performed by "an impartial ind ependent trained evaluator." 71 Educ. L. §3012-d (4)(b) . At the second observation , Howard rated her effective in 4 out of 4 categories . 72 In her last observation , Howard rated her as effective in all categories (including two highly effective ratings) , and one category as developing . 73 Erikson contends that the average of the ratings should have resulted in an overall effective rating. Erickson Aff Erickson Alf 63 Erickson Alf 64 Erickson Aff. 65 Erickson Aff 66 Erickso n Aff 67 Erickson Aff 68 Erickson Aff 69 Erickson Aff 70 Erickson Aff 71 Erickson Aff 72 Erickson Aff 73 Erickson Aff 74 Erickson Aff 61 62 r/36. r/36. r/3 7. r/3 7. r/37. r/38 r/38. r/38. r/39. r/39. r/39. r/39. r/39. r/39 . 7 [* 7] 7 of 21 74 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 On April 1, 2022, Howard pulled Erikson in for a meeting with her, Joe DiCaprio (head of elementary principals) , Lyn Rutnick (new assistant superintendent) , and Juliet Benaquisto (un ion pres iden t). 75 The second grade aid, Ms . Ramnauth told Erikson that Howard had asked her to cover her classroom during the meeting , but that Ramnath was asked not to te ll Erikson about the meeting. 76 When she learned of the meeting , Erikson contacted Benaquisto and Meixner and was told that she was not being recommended for tenure. 77 The meeting was scheduled for April 5, 2022 . 78 At that meeting, Howard asked Erikson to resign , which she refused. 79 Howard stated that she was being den ied tenu re because she did not hit al l of the marks on the TIP . 80 Both Erikson and Meixer expressed shock, as no issues had been raised in the prior TIP meetings . 8 1 Howard had a letter prepared that was signed by Superintendent Anibal Solar, Jr. 82 Erikson retained Cooper Erving & Savage , LLP on April 8, 2022 . 83 Attorney Carlo A.C. de Oliveira wrote to Soler and the Board that Erikson should be granted tenure and the Juul agreement rescinded , and that she should be separated from Howard as her actions appeared retaliatory . 84 Schenectady and the Board refused to award Erikson tenure and ignored her concerns regarding Howard. 85 Du ring a Board meeting on May 4, 2022 , Erikson 's appointment and employment with Schenectady was terminated effective June 24 , 2022 . 86 Erikson has learned from colleagues that Howard retaliated against her because of her unfavorable opinion of her as a member of the interview committee. Erickson Aff. Erickso n Aff. 77 Erickson Aft 78 Erickson Aft 79 Erickson Aft 80 Erickson Aft 81 Erickson Aft 82 Erickson Aft 83 Erickson Aff. 84 Erickson Aff. 85 Erickson Aff. 86 Erickson Aft 87 Erickson Aff. 75 76 1/40. 1/40. 1/40. 1/40. 1/41. 1/41. 1/41 . 1/41. 1/42. 1/42. 1/43. 1/45. 1/46. 8 [* 8] 8 of 21 87 These co lleagues also INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 fear retaliation. 88 An independent assessment of Schenectady 's environment shows a history of retaliation against employees. 8. 89 AFFIDAVIT OF ALICIA LAGERE LaGere was employed with Schenectady for thirty-two years and is now retired. 90 During the 2016-2017 school year , LaGere had a large number of special needs second grade students that required a lot of support. 91 Erikson was assigned to ass ist in her classroom , when she wasn 't in another classroom .92 Erikson acted as a co-teacher. 93 Erikson exhibited extensive knowledge of the cu rriculum and strategies used by teachers to instruct . 94 Erikson prepared her own lesson plans that she shared with LaGere . 95 Erikson also worked di rectly with students that demonstrated disruptive behaviors . 96 This was a duty normally perfo rmed by a classroom teacher. 97 Erikson 's knowledge of the curriculum standards allowed for a coteach environment where LaGere could depend on her to work with students in an effective way . 98 C. AFFIDAVIT OF JANICE WHITE, ED. D. Janice White was an education administrator for 37 ½ years before she retired .99 She met Erikson when they were both with Lansingburgh. 100 White was Erikson 's direct supervisor for one-school year . 101 As an elementary school teacher, Eriks on met and exceed ed professional requ irements. 102 She was recommended and granted tenure at the end of her Erickson Aff. 1/46. Erickson Aff 1/47. 90 LaGere Aff 1/1. 91 LaGere Aff 1/2 . 92 LaGere Aff. 1/2. 93 LaGere Aff 1/4. 94 LoGere Aff 1/4. 95 Lo Gere Aff 1/4. 96 LoGere Aft 1/5. 97 LaGere Aff 1/5. 98 LoGere Aff. 1/5. 99 White Aff 1/1. 100 White Aff 1/2. 101 White Aff 1/2 0 2 White Aff. 1/2. 88 89 9 [* 9] 9 of 21 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 probationary period. 103 In 2001 , White was appointed as Deputy Superintendent of the Saratoga Springs City School District, and was responsible for recruitment. 104 On July 1, 2007 , White was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Saratoga . 105 In 2004 , Erikson applied for a teaching position with Saratoga. 106 White supported the Principal and Director of Elementary Education 's recommendation of Erikson for a elementary teaching position. 107 During her tenure with Saratoga , Erikson excelled at her position and was awarded tenure at the end of her probationary period. 108 White did unofficial visits to Erikson 's classrooms . 109 Erikson never received an unsatisfactory performance evaluation and was never disciplined under Education Law Section 3020-a. 110 Erikson received a proficient rating every year that White worked with her in Lansingburgh and Saratoga (except her last year that wasn 't reviewed) . 111 White recommended Erikson for employment with Schenectady. 112 D. AFFIDAVIT OF CHRISTINA HOWARD Howard explains that she has been employed by Schenectady since September 2015. 113 She currently possesses certificates issued by the State Educatio n Department in the areas of English grades 7-12 and School District Administrato r. 114 Howard 's first position in Schenectady as Instructional Supervisor where she supervised delivery of instruction within the school. 115 She was tenured in this position effective September 1, 2019 . 11 6 In May 2019 she was assigned to serve as Acting Principal of Pleasant for the remainder of the 2018 to 2019 school year, when lnglee went on leave. 117 In August or September 2019 , she appl ied White Aff. f/2. White Aff. f/3. 105 White Aff. f/3. 106 White Aff. f/4. 107 White Aff. f/4 . 108 White Aff. f/5 . 109 White Aff. f/6 110 White Aff. f/6. m White Aff. f/7. 112 White Aff. f/8. 113 Howard Aff. f/ 1. 114 Howard Aff. f/1. 115 Howard Aff. f/2. 116 Ho ward Aft f/2. 117 Howard Aft f/3 . 103 104 10 [* 10] 10 of 21 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 for the position of Principal of Pleasant Valley. 118 She had two interviews. 119 The first interview was in September 2019 before a committee made up of staff members and the District's Assistant to the Superintendent, Patricia Paser. committee. 12 1 for Principal. 2019. 123 120 She recalls that Erikson was on the She denies any knowledge of anything that Erikson sa id about her candidacy 122 Her second interview was before the Board in September or early October At the Board meeting she was appointed to the probationary position of Principal effective October 7, 2019 . 124 She began the position on October 16, 2019 , and has served in that position since that date .125 As part of her duties she supervised the performance of all teachers , includ ing Erikson . 126 She has observed Erikson 's performance on several occasions and has observed several deficiencies in her teaching . 127 Howard admits that Erikson received effective ratings for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 , although she notes that because these ratings occurred during Covid-19 they aren 't accurate reflections of her performance. 128 Howard 's purported concern about Erikson's performa nce began in 2019-2020 when she observed that Erikson 's students' performance lagged those in other classes . 129 This review signaled that she should assess Erikson 's performance going forward . 130 During Covid 19 Erikson was assigned to a hybrid schedule , which meant she taught in person (morning) and remotely (afternoon). 131 Howard 's concerns grew as she conducted walk-through evaluations and observed little or no meaningful instruction occurring. 132 Howard did not want to recommend Erikson for tenure in 2020-2021 and spoke with top administrators in the District Howard Aff. Howard Aff 120 Howard Aff 121 Howard Aff 122 Howard Aff. 123 Howard Aff. 124 Ho ward Aff 125 Howa rd Aff 126 Howard Aff 127 Howard Aff. 128 Howard Aff. 129 Howard Aff. 130 Howard Aff. 131 Howard Aff. 132 Howard Aff. 118 119 f/3. f/7. f/8. f/8. f/9. f/10. fill. f/12. f/13. f/14. fl 14. f/15 . f/15. f/17. f/17. 11 [* 11] 11 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 and they recommended that Erikson be put on another year of probation , i.e. the Juul agreement. 133 The agreement was approved by the Board on April 14, 2021 , and the probationary appointment extended through August 31, 2022 . 134 The TIP plan was developed in April 2021. 135 Erikson 's performance during the 2021-2022 school year did not improve to the level that Howard believed warranted a grant of tenure and Howard discussed these concerns with District level administrators . 136 Howard recommended that Erikson be denied tenure at the end of her probationary term and Soler then advised Erikson that he would not recommend her for an appointment of tenure .137 Howard contends that the recommendation that Erikson not receive tenu re was based solely upon her performance as a teacher.138 E. AFFIDAVIT OF DEBORAH MACDERMENT Deborah MacDerment was employed at Schenectady in various capacities from 1994 until she retired in 2018 .139 From 2010 to 2018 she was the Principal at th e District' s Pa ige Elementary School. 140 She asserts that a Building Substitute is a certified teacher who reports to a designated school building each day and is assigned to whatever duties may be requ ired on that particular day. 14 1 Build ing Substitutes are assigned to a variety of tasks , including serving as a substitute for any classroom teache r who may be absent, wo rking with individua l or small groups of students on teacher-assigned schoolwork or special projects , and generally being available to be assigned wherever a need arises . 142 In addition to Building Substitutes the District hires "long-term " or "regular" substitute teache rs to fill in for specific classroom teachers that are absent from their duties for extended periods of time due to illness or Ho ward Aff. fl 18 . Howard Aff. fl 19. 135 How ard Aff. fl21 . 136 Howa rd Aff. fl21 . 137 Ho w ard Aff. fl21 . 138 Howard Aff. fl 22. 139 M acDe rment Aff. 140 M acDerm e nt Aft. 141 MacD erm e nt Aff. 142 MacD e rme n t Aff. 133 134 fl fl2. fl 5. fl5. 12 [* 12] 12 of 21 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 approved leave of absence . 143 The long-term or regular substitute duties include lesson planning , grading , communicating with parents , and attending faculty meetings . She contends that the Building Substitutes do not share in these duties . 144 MacDerment details that she supervised Erikson during her time as Building Substitute. 145 Erikson was assigned to be a substitute for various absent teachers for less than 50% of her time .146 Erikson spent the majority of the rest of her time in LeGere 's classroom , where she helped to work with three students from the class that have behavioral issues .147 The sessions were devoted to reinforcing the academic content that had been taught by LaGere . 148 At no time did Erikson's service as a build ing substitute did she take over the classroom of another teacher for an extended period of time . 149 MacDerment asserts that Erikson also had no responsibilities for lesson planning for an entire class , assign ing grades , and did not engage in communications with parents . 150 During the time that she was a building substitute she was not considered a "teacher of record " of any students under the regulations of the Commissioner of Education and was not subject to the "annual professional performance review" required by the Education Law of classroom teachers , including regular substitute teachers . 15 1 Ill. LAW AND DISCUSSION A. STANDARD OF LAW A decision made by an administrative body wi ll be overturned if it is in violation of lawfu l procedure, was affected by an error of law or was arbitrary or capricious. CPLR §7803 (3) . A stay of an administrative decision may be issued under CPLR Section 7805 where it is under review. CPLR §7805; Matter of Town of East Hampton v. Jurling , 181 A.O. 2d 781 (2d Dept. 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 MacDerment Aff MacDerment Aff MacDerment Aft MacDerment Aff MacDerment Aff MacDerment Aff Mac Derment Aff MacDerment Aff MacDerment Aff. 1/7. 1/8. 1/9. 1/10. 1/10. 1/10. 1/11. 1/11. 1/12. 13 [* 13] 13 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 1992). A stay will be granted where the moving party demonstrates: likelihood of success on the merits ; irreparable injury ; and a balancing of the equities stemming from a grant or denial of the relief. Harbor View Ass 'n v. Sucher, 237 A.O . 2d 488 (2d Dept. 1997) ; Matter of Yung Bros. Real Estate Co. Inc. v. Limandri, 26 Misc. 3d 1203 (A) (Sup. Ct. NY County 2009). The Court does not have to give equal weight to each of those factors and maintains broad discretion when determining whether to grant a stay. Matter of Rice/Ii Enters, Inc. v. State of N. Y. Workers ' Comp. Bd. , 2012 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2241 *84 (Sup . Ct. , Onondaga County 2012), aff'd 117 A.O . 3d 1438 (4 th Dept. 2014). B. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF MUST BE GRANTED As THERE Is CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE OF LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS ON THE MERITS. A preliminary injunction shall only be granted based upon petitioner's demonstration , by clear and convincing evidence , of the likelihood of success on the merits. Etter v. Littwitz , 47 Misc. 2d 473 (Monroe Cty . Sup . Ct. 1965) ; Metz v. People , 73 Misc. 2d 219 (Nassau Cty. Sup . Ct. 1973). Petitioner must also demonstrate that irreparable injury will result if the injunction is not granted , and that a balance of the equities favors petitioner. See, To wn of Warrensburg v. Mollica , 171 A.O. 2d 995 (3d Dept. 1991), citing , Nassau Roofin g & Sheet Metal Co. , Inc ., 70 A.O . 2d 1021 (3d Dept. 1979). Erikson provides four bases for relief: tenure by estoppel ; wrongful termination ; violation of Education Law Section 2509 (2)(b) for the failure to provide Erikson with tenure given her favorable APPR ratings ; and retaliation. 1. FAILURE TO PERFORM A DUTY ENJOINED ON THEM BY LAW: TENURE BY ESTOPPEL. i. Erikson Has Shown A Likelihood Of Success In Obtaining The Three-Year Probationary Period For Previously Tenured Teachers. Education Law Section 2509 (1 )(a)(ii) provides that teachers appointed after July 1, 2015 shall be appointed for a probationary period of four years. However, where the teache r has previously received tenure in another school district, within the state , that probationary period shall only be three-years (where they were not dismissed for charges under a separate section). The three-year probationary period is only implemented where that teacher 14 [* 14] 14 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 demonstrates receipt of an annual APPR rating 152 The APPR rating was not introduced until the 2010 amendment of the Education La w, and this was after Erikson left her last tenured employment. The 2010 amendments modified the teachers' evaluation process and created the Annual Professional Performance Rating ("APPR") system under Section 3012-d. (L 20 10, ch 103, §1 , eff. July 1, 2010) . This provision was amended again in 2015 to create the Highly Effective , Effective , Developing , and Ineffective (" HEDI ") scores for teacher evaluation . (See, L. 2015, ch. 56, §2 (Part EE, Subpart E], effective April 13, 2015) . In 2015 , Section 2509 governing the appointments of teachers by City School Districts was also amended . (See, L. 2015, ch. 56 §§1 , 2 [Part EE, Subpt. D, eff. April 13, 2015). Prior to April 2015, a teacher who previously received tenure in another school district w ithin New York , who was not dismissed from employment for mis conduct, had a probationa ry period that should not exceed two-years. (See, Educ. Law §2509 (1)(a)(ii)(2014). This was changed to three years , provided that the teacher demonstrated that they rece ived an APPR rating in their final year of service in the school district. Educ. La w, §2509 (1)(a)(ii) ; L 2015 ch. 56, §§1 , 2 [Part EE, Subpt. DJ, eff. April 13, 2015). Respondents ' argue that Erikson is disqualified from the three-year reduced period , and that she is beholden to the current rules under Education Law Section 2509 (1)(a)(ii) which was enacted in 2015 , prior to her probationary appointment. However, when changes in the law would affect the substantive rights of a party it should not be applied retroactively. See, Che vron Oil CO. v. Huson , 404 U.S. 97 (19 71 ) (laws shou ld not be applied retroactively where such application would be inequitab le) . Further, "a statute has no retroactive effect if it would impair rights a party possessed when he acted , in crease a party 's liability for past conduct, or impose new duties with respect to transactions already completed , thus impacting substantive rights." Matter of Regina Metro Co. , LLC v. Ne w York State Div. of Haus. & Community Rene wal, 35 N.Y . 3d 332 (2 020), citing, Landgraf v. Usi Film Prods ., 511 U. S . 244 (1 994); American Economy Ins. Co. v. State of New York , 30 N.Y. 3d 136 (2017) , cert. denied, 138 S. Ct. 2601 Educ. Law. § 3012-c which was effective April 13, 2015); or Educ. Law. § 3012-d which was effective May 13, 2022. Section 2509 was effective May 13. 2022. 15 152 [* 15] 15 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 (2018) . Unless the Legislature expressly states so , there is a presumption aga inst retroactive application of laws that would impact substantive rights. Regina, supra, 35 N.Y. 3d , at 332 . Whe re there is no express statement, it sha ll be interpreted that the Legislature considered the retroactive impact on substantive righ ts and intended the rights shal l be preserved and the new law not be applied retroactively . Erikson was appointed as a probationary elementary education teacher effective on September 1, 201 7. In March , 2020 , Erikson submitted a comp leted Tenu re Ve rification Fo rm, without the annual performance evaluation from Saratoga , as the evaluations did not exist at the time she was tenured . During he r four yea rs of employm ent as a probationary teacher with Schenectady , Erikson never received an APPR rating lower than "Highly Effective" or "Effective" during the 20 17-2018, 20 18-20 19, 201 9-2 020 , and 20 20 -202 1 schoo l years . Retroactive application of the law would violate her due process rights by denying her the benefits that she accrued before the amendm ents to th e law occurred. Since the Legislature never expressly stated that retro-application was their intention , the Court shall assume that it wasn 't. Moreover, the Court of Appeals clearly stated that ten ure rules shou ld be read bro adly in favor of the teacher. Speich/er v. BOCES , 90 N.Y. 2d 110 (1997). Acco rdingly , requi ring Erikson to provide an APPR score , wh en such a score did not exist during the time of her last tenure, would be inequitable and inconsistent with the Legislature 's intent to construe requ irements fo r tenure in a teacher's favo r. The Court of Appeals deta iled , the leg islative intent is that "the interests of the public in the education of our youth can best be served by a system designed to foster academi c freedom in our sch oo ls an d to protect co mpete nt teach ers from the abuses they might be subjected to if they could be dismissed at the wh im of their supervisors ." Ricca v. Bd. Of Educ. , 47 N.Y.2d 385 (1 979). Tenure by estoppel occurs when a school board fails to act to grant or deny tenure prior to the end of the probationary period ; and , with knowledge (actual or const ructive) and co nsent allows that teacher to continue to teach past the expiration of their probationary term . Gould, supra , 81 N.Y. 2d , at 451 ; see also , Maras v. Bd. of Educ., 275 A.O . 2d 551 (3d Dept. 2000). 16 [* 16] 16 of 21 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 A teacher that has acquired tenure by estoppel , but is improperly terminated, is entitled to reinstatement retroactive to the last date of employment, back pay, and all accrued benefits. Matter of Brown v. Bd. of Educ. Of Mahopac Cent. Sch. Dist., 129 A. D. 3d 1067 (2d Dept. 2015) , citing , Ricca, supra , 47 N.Y. 2d , at 385 ; Matter of Walters v. Amityville Union Free School Dist. , 251 A.O. 2d 590 (2d Dept. 1998). Erikson has demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits relatin g to tenure by estoppel as the law favors that the statutory amendments of 2015 should not be retroactively applied . This is exemplified by legislative intent and the lack of express statutory requirement. Additionally , since the school sent Erikson the tenure forms and informed her of a shortened probationary period due to her prior tenure , the school was on notice that Erikson was entitled to the shortened probationary period . Despite this , the Board failed to grant or deny tenure , as required , while allowing her to teach beyond her probationary period . Si nce she began her probationary period on September 1, 2017 , Erikson has a likelihood of success in demonstrating that she shou ld have received tenure on September 1, 2020 . ii. Erikson Has Shown A Likelihood Of Success In Obtaining Accrued Time During Her Time As A Building Substitute. _Where a previously tenured teacher has worked as a "regular substitute , they may use up to two years of their substitute time towards their th re e-year probationary period . Ed. L. §2509 (1)(a)(ii) . The teacher must have served at least a full-term in the substitute teacher position, and must demonstrate that she served as a "regular substitute". See, Matter of Lifson v. Bd. of Educ. Of Nanuet Pub. Schools , 109 A.O. 2d 74 3 (2d Dept. 1985) , aff'd 66 N.Y. 2d 896 (1985); Ricca , 47 N.Y . 2d , at 389 . Erikson argues that her probationary term began when she was hired as a building substitute for the period of December 5, 201 6 through June 23 , 2017. If the seven months of Erikson's time as a Building Substitute are applied her probation would have expired in December 2019 . This is based upon the provision of Education La w Section 2509 that provides that if a teacher's probationary appointment comes immediately after having 17 [* 17] 17 of 21 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 served as a regular substitute for at least a term (semester) or more , than that substitute service counts in satisfaction of up to two-years of the probationary term , also called a Jarema credit. Respondents' argue that Erikson was a Building Substitute she did not qualify as a "regular substitute." Respondents ' argue that Erikson 's substitute service does not fit case law determination of what constitutes qualifying substitute service and cite to Speich/er, supra , 90 N.Y . 2d , at 110; Barbaccia v. BOE, Locust Valley CSO , 282 A.O . 2d 674 (2d Dept. 2001 ) (not regular substitute service where teacher did not take over any particula r class for a susta ined duration of time , and had different assignments each day); Appeal of Triana v. Bd. of Educ . Of City Sch . Dist. of N. Y. City, 4 7 A. D. 3d 554 (1s t Dept. 2009). In Matter of Speich/er, the Court of Appeals stated that whether one served as a "regular substitute " is determined based upon the actual nature and the continuity of the substitute service. Speich/er, 90 N.Y. 2d , at 110. As detailed in Speich/er, the Comm issioner of Education cautioned schoo l districts not to use technicalities to deny teachers credit for actual regular substitute service. Id. Here, Erikson worked as a "Building Substitute Teacher" every day , full-time , from December 5, 2016 to June 23 , 2017 . While witnesses differ as to how Erikson spent her tim e, such differences may very wel l work in Erikson 's favor once all of the testimony is provided and credibility determinations are made. Erikson has asserted that as a Bui lding Substitute she was entitled to the same benefits , including pension benefits , as any other regular teachers . She also taught classes every day, or engaged in co-teaching a class , including lesson plan preparation. Consequently , Erikson has a likelihood of success on her argument that she was entitled to a Jarema credit towards her probationary peri od . C. ERIKSON WILL SUFFER IRREPARABLE HARM IF A STAY Is NOT GRANTED. Erikson asserts that she will suffer irrepa rable ha rm if the stay is not granted as it is highly unlikely that she will be able to secure a teaching position at the same salary grade level that she currently has based upon her age and years of experience . Erikson is a single mother of two disabled children that require a significant amount of medical treatment. If her emp loyment is te rm inated she will not only lose her income but she will also lose her health 18 [* 18] 18 of 21 INDEX NO. 2022-828 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 insurance that her family depends upon. She will not be able to afford health insurance without an income. Respond ents assert that injunctive relief is not appropriate wh en the claimed harm can be remed ied by back pay and reinstatement. Armitage v. Carey, 49 A.D . 2d 496 (3d Dept. 1975); Cohen v. Department of Social Services of State of Ne w York , 37 A.O . 2d 626 (2d Dept. 1971), affd 30 N.Y. 2d 571 (1972). In so asserting , Respondents ' fail to address Erikson 's personal situation regarding her need to medically insure her children that seemingly cannot afford to go without coverage . Such need is not one that can be remedied by back pay and reinstatement at a later date. 0. THE BALANCE OF THE EQUITIES FAVORS A STAY. A stay is issued when a petitioner can show sig nificant injuries or harm that is both irreparable and more burdensome than any harm the respondent would suffer. CPLR§7805; Matter of Riccelli Enters, Inc ., 2012 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 2241 *246 (Sup. Ct. , Onondaga County 2012) . The Courts consider a variety of factors, including the public interests , if any ; the fairness of the situation as between the parties ; and the ava ilability of other remedies . Id. Courts will grant the stay where maintaining the status quo is a relative ly min or inconvenience for respondent. Grammercy Co. v. Benenson , 223 A.O. 2d 497 (1 st Dept. 1996). Eri kson has il lustrated that she will be harmed if the requ ested relief is not granted. As a sing le mother, she will lose benefits , and her family will be harmed by the lack of health insurance and income that is necessary for her children 's medical care . Respondents ' argue that the children enrolled in the District would suffer from having an ineffectual teacher within the District. However, the evidence adduced so far demonstrates that Erikson has always maintained an effective or highly effective teacher rating , and was competent enough to receive tenure at not one , but two , prior districts . Additional ly, the publ ic interest in not allowing the rules of tenure to be manipulated against competent teachers greatly outweighs any inconvenience to Respondents . 19 [* 19] 19 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 THE COURT'S RULING Based upon the foregoing , it is hereby: ORDERED th at Petitioner Justine Erikson is he reby granted an prel iminary injunction , restra ining and preventing the Respondent Schenectad y City School District Board of Education from terminating her appointment and employment effective on June 24 , 2022 , pending the final determination of th is action/proceeding ; and it is further ORDERED that Petitioner Justine Erikson is entitled to a hearing on her Petition , the date of which sha ll be set at a scheduling conference ; and it is further ORDERED , that this Decision and Order constitutes the Order of this Court. Dated : August 28 , 2023 at Schenectady, New York HON. MICHAEL R. CUEVAS Sup reme Court Justice PAPERS CONSIDERED: PETITIONER Notice of Pre sentation Order to Show Cause for Preliminary Inj unction Verified Petition and Complaint Memorandum of Law in Support of Ord er to Show Cause Affidavit of Justine Erik son Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exh ibit Exhibit Exhibit A: Resolution 161116 B: Duties Building Substitute Teacher C: Background Building Substitute Teacher D: Reso lution 170920 E: Perfo rmance Evaluation 2018 F: Perfo rmance Evaluation 2019 G: Reso lution 191002 H: Email dated February 26, 2020 I: March 3, 2020 Letter and Completed Tenure Verification Form Performance Evaluation for 2020 J: Juul Agreement K: Teacher imp roveme nt plan dated 4/16/21 L: Performance Evaluation 2021 M: Email dated July 16 , 2021 N: de Ol iveira Letter dated April 8, 2022 0: 20 [* 20] 20 of 21 FILED: SCHENECTADY COUNTY CLERK 08/28/2023 10:50 AM NYSCEF DOC. NO. 3 INDEX NO. 2022-828 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 08/28/2023 Exhibit P: Exhibit 0 : Exhibit R: Exhibit S: Harren Letter dated April 26 , 2022 de Oliveira Email dated April 26 , 2022 Board Reso lution dated May 4, 2022 A Needs Assessment of the Schenectady City School District Fall 2020 Affidavit of Alicia A. LeGere Affidavit of Janice White Motion for Leave to Exceed Page Limitation RESPONDENT 153 Memorandum of Law in Opposition Affidavit of Christina Howard Affirmation of Kevin H. Harren , Esq . 153 The Affidavit of Keith H. Harren , Esq ., references an Affidav it of Deborah MacDerment, the building principal , that is purportedly attached. The MacDerment Affidavit was not attached to the Ha rren Affidav it but was attached to Exhibit P. The Court received the responsive papers via email dated June 7, 2022 , that states that Counsel was unable to upload their papers to NYSEF. The email notes that the papers served were 1) Attorney Affirmation of Keith H. Harren , Esq ., in opposition to the application ; 2) Affidav it of Christina Howard ; and 3) Memorandum of Law. It does not mention an Affidavit of Deborah MacDerment. The Cou rt contacted the Schenectady County Clerk who indicated that no papers in Opposition to the Application were filed in th at office . The failure to properly file the respon sive papers could be considered an no Opposition having been filed . The Court has chose n not to do so and to cons ider the opposition papers submitted to the Court and opposing counsel and directs that all papers be properly filed on NYSCEF . 21 [* 21] 21 of 21

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