Two former Tuxedo Union Free School District principals who were removed from their jobs just days before graduation in 2023 say they have reached a $190,000 settlement with the district and are now demanding a public apology.

Roy Reese, former principal of George F. Baker High School, and Dolores Terlecky, former principal of George Grant Mason Elementary School, say the agreement brings them “a measure of justice” after what they describe as a sudden and damaging removal that left their careers and reputations in jeopardy.

The two administrators, who were 82 and 72 at the time, say they were escorted out of their buildings without warning and without being given a chance to respond to claims made by the superintendent. Their firings sparked outrage among students and parents, including a high school walkout that News 12 covered when the incident first unfolded.

The district never publicly commented on their firings or revealed what the allegations were against the beloved, longtime educators.

In their lawsuit, Reese and Terlecky accused the district of age discrimination and alleged that board members never questioned them or allowed them to defend themselves before their removal.

In a new statement announcing the settlement, the former principals say their combined 110 years of service to public education were “put in peril” by the district’s actions.

“We did nothing to deserve our dismissal,” they wrote. “Our reputations were tarnished without cause, and we now call on the Tuxedo Board of Education to publicly acknowledge the harm that was done.”

The educators said they hope the case serves as a reminder for school boards to act with diligence, transparency and compassion when handling serious personnel matters.

Former Tuxedo school board member Dan Castricone also weighed in, posting a lengthy statement on social media criticizing how the district handled the situation. Castricone, who served on the board at the time of the principals’ removal, called Reese and Terlecky “among the most competent administrators we have ever had” and said they were “deeply admired by students and staff.” He accused then-Superintendent Jeffrey White and Assistant Superintendent Ed Mehrhoff of targeting the two educators and said several board members relied on “false information” when they voted not to renew their contracts. Castricone said he and another trustee opposed the decision and apologized publicly to the former administrators, adding that the settlement “never should have been necessary.” He urged residents to pay close attention to school board actions moving forward, saying the episode “isn’t just about money — it’s about trust and the future of our schools.”