Lawsuit: Schalmont principal assaulted boy

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Goot

A Rotterdam parent has sued the Schalmont Central School District, claiming his son’s middle school principal physically assaulted him.

The lawsuit, which was fi led by Brian Whitaker Sr. in Schenectady County earlier this month, claims that Schalmont Middle School Principal Michael Kondratowicz assaulted the child — then 12 years old — on Jan. 27, 2011.

The incident caused the child to suffer physical injuries, for which he is receiving treatment, according to attorney Daniel P. Maloy of the DeLorenzo Law Firm.

“We are asserting a claim of assault and a claim of negligence against the school district,” Maloy said.

He did not want to discuss extensive details but did say that the child was in class at school in the middle of his normal day and then was taken out of the classroom by the principal.

It was then that the alleged attack occurred.

There was no justification for the physical contact, according to the attorney.

“We believe it to be a gross injustice on the part of the school district and the principal to allow that to happen,” he said.

The parents are seeking monetary damages.

“It’s too early in the proceeding to narrow it down to a number,” Maloy said.

The school district was served the complaint Oct. 14 and has 20 days to respond.

Superintendent Valerie Kelsey said she could not comment much on the case because it is a legal matter. “Last year, there was an accusation made. It was investigated by the state police. There was no validity to it.”

Kelsey said there have never been any complaints against Kondratowicz, a 35-year veteran of the district.

“He’s a wonderful, wonderful, respected principal,” she said.

Kondratowicz has been the middle school principal since 1999. Before that, he was principal of the high school.

In September, Kondratowicz announced he would retire in August 2012.

He was out of the offi ce Monday and could not be reached for comment.