SAUGERTIES – Emotions ran high at a hastily organized community meeting Wednesday night, as angry parents and residents demanded answers from Saugerties School District officials over recent sexual abuse scandals.
Parents expressed frustration and even anger about safety, accountability, and discipline in the schools after a former police officer and ex-girl’s wrestling coach were individually arrested on charges involving sexual contact with a student under 18.
An upset parent speaks to the panel about concerns that his child is not safe at the Saugerties Central School District.
The small group was gathered by community member Reuben Martinez and featured a panel including Saugerties Police Chief Ken Swart, Town Supervisor Fred Costello, Town Board member Zach Horton, and Board of Education President Jeffrey Riazzi.
Those who addressed the panel were not required to give their last names to protect them from potential retribution, according to event organizer Ruben Lindo.
The most alarming issue discussed was the 18-count indictment against former girls’ wrestling coach Reid Kappler, who is accused of raping two students. Officials confirmed the investigation began after a student reported the abuse to School Resource Officer Travis Winchell, whose prompt action led to the coach’s arrest.
“I commend Officer Winchell,” Costello said, referring to the school resource officer who is said to have taken the rape complaint. “He did exactly what we expect of law enforcement in these situations—he listened, he acted, and he reported it.”
The case against Reid Kappler follows earlier charges against former Saugerties police officer Sydney Mills, who is also accused of rape involving an underage student. The proximity and severity of the two cases sparked outrage.
“We trusted this man with our daughters,” said one parent of a girl’s wrestling team athlete. “They’re devastated. We need off-campus counseling, and we need to know this won’t happen again.”
Ruben Lindo, who coordinated the event held at the Frank D. Greco Senior Center, said told Mid-Hudson News that he has reached out to the state education department and the attorney generals office.
“I’ve had two meetings with the New York State Attorney General’s office, one with their public integrity unit and the other directly with the assistant deputy attorney general,” Lindo told the audience.
“It keeps our school board out of the jackpot of potential lawsuits and litigations, which cost us taxpayers a ridiculous amount of money,” he added.
Parents also pressed officials on a newly revealed incident involving a teacher who reportedly was “walked out of the building” in June after one student received inappropriate text messages. Riazzo confirmed the incident and said it is under investigation, adding that the teacher is no longer employed by the district.
The revelations were part of a broader list of grievances voiced by community members, including widespread allegations of drug use, hallway violence, code of conduct
violations, and administrative indifference. Two parents said serious concerns were “swept under the rug” by administrators who fielded the complaints. Others said teachers are afraid to speak out as they fear retribution by peers or the district.
“There are fights in the hallways, bathrooms reeking of marijuana, dress code violations, and the teachers are too afraid to speak out,” said Allyson Barbaria of Saugerties, who read a lengthy statement on behalf of concerned staff. “This is not a safe or healthy learning environment.”
Board of Education President Jeffrey Riozzi pledged transparency and accountability, emphasizing that the district has hired an independent investigator—a retired criminal investigator with no ties to Saugerties—to examine both the sexual abuse incidents and any administrative failures.
“If at any point in that process, somebody feels that they’re not getting an answer, reach out to me directly,” said Riozzi.
One parent reminded board chair Riozzi that teachers are “mandated reporters” of abuse under state law. “We will peel back every layer,” Riozzi said. “This investigation will look into how complaints were handled, who knew what and when, and what policies failed. If people need to be held accountable, they will be.”
Supervisor Costello said the town is also conducting its own internal affairs investigation.
“This is uncomfortable for all of us,” Costello said. “But it needed to come out. There’s no hiding from it.”