Spencerport High School assistant principal Steven Lysenko was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation after a video of him using expletives against the Rochester Police Department circulated widely on social media. The video was taken in downtown Rochester on Friday, September 4, during a protest against the death of Daniel Prude in which protesters were reportedly sprayed with pepper spray or pepper balls following an altercation with police.
The district responded to the situation on Saturday. “As we have stated consistently and clearly, Spencerport Central School District stands in solidarity in support of racial equality and systemic change. We remain committed to this change, and want all of our families to know we further stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters. However, when a District employee uses language in public or on social media that does not align with our Code of Conduct or demonstrate appropriate role modeling for students, that is something that we will not condone. These statements by our administrator have caused disruption within our school community. We apologize to our students, parents and community that you had to hear this language from one of our employees. This will be addressed as a confidential, personnel matter.”
Protests were held Tuesday evening at the Spencerport Administration Building with groups both supporting Lysenko and those calling for his firing. Ahead of the Spencerport protest, district Superintendent Dan Milgate and Ogden Police Chief Chris Mears issued a joint statement:
“The Spencerport School District and Ogden Police Department have an established, longstanding partnership that has withstood the best of times, as well as the most challenging of times such as like in this year of 2020.
It is important for us to remain unified, and therefore we wanted you to know that we have been in constant communication. We feel that:
•this is a process, and we must follow all appropriate steps to ensure the integrity of this personnel investigation;
•the differences in opinions are clear, and it is certainly an example of the free speech we all cherish in this country;
•people may have disagreements, but they are still your friends and neighbors;
•our responsibility as educators and police officers is to respect the ability to peacefully protest.”
While the investigation into Mr. Lysenko’s actions is ongoing, Bill Jacoutot will take on the role of Interim Assistant Principal. Jacoutot served as the district’s wrestling coach for 30 years before his retirement in 2009. He will serve as assistant principal for the ninth grade as well as the district’s High School Academy.
