Details Of Separation Agreement For LI Teacher With 'Open Secret'

BABYLON, NY — A Babylon High School teacher who resigned after being escorted out of the classroom this October is eligible to receive pension, and health insurance, according to his separation agreement requested by Patch through the Freedom of Information Law.

The tenured teacher, who Patch cannot name because he has not been criminally charged, officially resigned on November 8, agreeing that he will "never seek re-employment in the District."

The agreement goes on to say that the district shall "reimburse the Employee the cost of his health insurance coverage pursuant to COBRA, from the effective date of his resignation through June 30, 2022."”

The teacher is also "entitled to receive payment, less applicable payroll taxes, for his accumulated sick leave,” according to the agreement.

The agreement also stated that his resignation is not a waiver of his right to receive retirement benefits, as determined by the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System.

"If Employee timely pays the full cost of Employee's continued participation in NYSHIP health insurance coverage between July 1, 2022 and the date he is first eligible to retire with the New York State Teachers Retirement System ("TRS”)," stated Article 5 of the agreement.

At a November 2 meeting, the Babylon Board of Education announced the teacher's resignation, but said they could not legally share his separation agreement without a FOIL request.

Last month, Attorney General Letitia James launched an investigation into the district over the allegations. Suffolk County Police investigated claims surrounding the teacher who resigned on November 8, and told Patch that no "criminal activity" was found.

So far, a total of six teachers accused of sexual abuse have been placed on leave.

On Oct. 26, superintendent Linda Rozzi wrote in a letter to parents and students that the teacher had been immediately "reassigned to home" after facing "disturbing allegations".

Numerous community members have spoken out against the district, claiming that the teacher and other district employees have sexually abused students for generations. Many alumni, parents, and students stated in recent meetings and on social media that the district knew about this "toxic culture", calling it an "open secret" but took little action.

This is a developing story.