RYE BROOK — Patrick Brimstein was unexpectedly resigned this morning, effective October 5, 2021, by the Blind Brook Board of Education. In a statement, the Board cited “personal reasons”.
“As this is a personnel matter, the District will not be making any additional statements related to this matter,” read the statement. “We would like to thank the community for your ongoing support.”
The actual reason is widely known.
Brimstein went on paid leave after the New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa blasted Brimstein in a letter for opening the Ridge Street Elementary School without a Certificate of Occupancy. The incident set off a firestorm.
BREAKING
— Tony Aiello (@AielloTV) September 17, 2021
New scathing letter from @NYSEDNews regarding opening of Ridge Street School. @BlindBrookUFSD will be facing some serious questions. pic.twitter.com/vuESbVuk4k
Parents in @BlindBrookUFSD are upset about closing of Ridge Street school – town hall tomorrow could get heated – but do the Board and Superintendent seriously believe some might “stoke violence”? pic.twitter.com/eB4WVnfl4Z
— Tony Aiello (@AielloTV) September 20, 2021
Tony Aiello of WCBS-TV has a thorough explanation of the issues and community reaction.
The Board appointed Dr. Colin Byrne to serve as Interim Superintendent for the period of October 6, 2021, through October 26, 2021 and authorized a third addendum consistent with such appointment to his Employment.