LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Starpoint Board of Education voted to reinstate Superintendent Dr. Sean Croft during a board meeting Monday.
In August, Croft was arrested and charged with DWI after a crash in West Seneca. The following week, the board placed him on administrative leave.
I was at the board meeting Monday night which lasted about seven minutes. President Jeffrey Duncan said the decision to reinstate Croft was carefully considered, given his long-standing dedication and positive contribution to the community.
I asked Duncan for an on-camera interview but he insisted he’d be more comfortable releasing the following statement:
“The Starpoint Central School District Board of Education today announced that Dr. Sean Croft will resume his responsibilities as Superintendent with full support from the Board.
The Board came to this decision following careful consideration and reflection, balancing the seriousness of the incident with Dr. Croft’s long-standing dedication and positive contributions to this school community.
It is apparent through our conversations with Dr. Croft that he has taken responsibility for his actions and has demonstrated a commitment to personal growth.
To support our shared goals and ensure accountability, Dr. Croft agreed to sign a revised contract approved by the Board.
Our unanimous decision today is rooted in the trust that Dr. Croft can continue his progress and can uphold our values with a continuation of meaningful actions.
Dr. Croft will return to work on November 14.”
One staff member, Diane Martineau, called the alleged drunk driving a “mistake.”
“It would’ve been a shame that they’d let someone go from a mistake, but it’s still a mistake,” Martineau said. “We tell our children if you make a mistake, you’ll be forgiven and you work towards not doing it again.”
She said Dr. Croft led the district through several crises including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think it’ll be a big morale booster because the unknown was hard,” Martineau said.
Only four people attended the meeting. Dr. Croft is set to return to work on November 14, just two days after his court date for the DWI charge.