Queens teens enter South High

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Thompson said he found the student’s testimony to “be not credible” during the hearing.

Steven Goodstadt, counsel for the school district, said during the hearing that the student’s actions were “simply unacceptable.”

“It’s crazy that we are having this conversation,” Goodstadt said during the hearing. “But at the same point, at the end of the hearing, there will be no other option but to find the student guilty.”

The district ultimately suspended Rodriguez’s son and upheld the suspension in February, according to Newsday.

Gitz said that the student would be subject to arrest if found on school property despite the student’s clean disciplinary record, according to Newsday.

Rodriguez and Augello appealed the suspension and Betty Rosa, the commissioner of the state Education Department intervened in April, allowing the student to return to school, according to Newsday.

Department officials did not comment on Rosa’s decision on the appeal.

Rosa also blocked the district’s attempt to send the student to its alternative high school, according to Newsday.

District Superintendent Teresa Prendergast, following Newsday’s account of the incident on Sunday, sent an email to the community touting Great Neck’s commitment to the safety of staff and students.

“At the Board of Education’s direction, the district commenced an investigation,” Prendergast said. “As the district’s investigation of the matter unfolded, additional updates were shared with the school community. Furthermore, the district’s safety protocols and procedures were thoroughly reviewed, and reminders about such practices were shared in a series of communications.”

Prendergast did not comment on the “confidential personnel, student and litigation matters” in the email.

Gitz, in the Dec. 19 email to the community, reminded students and staff of the security protocols they must follow. Those requirements include scanning identification cards to get in and out of the building, entering through the main entrance and not “prop” open any school door during the day.

Visitors, Gitz said in the email, are required to enter through the main entrance and follow the security personnel’s direction.

“The safety of our students and staff remains my top priority,” Gitz said in the email. “Your cooperation and attention to district safety protocols is imperative for the safety of all. I am confident South High will continue to be a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty and staff.”

Gitz said during the hearing that a physical education staff member held three trespassers inside the gym while the other six fled. Gitz said the other trespassers were found by Lake Success police at a neighboring office building.

Village of Lake Success Village Attorney Andrea Tsoukalas Curto in an email to Blank Slate Media confirmed village police arrested nine minors that day who were all sent to family court. Curto said seven of the minors were charged with trespassing and two were charged with felony burglary and a weapons charge.

State laws prevent minors’ case information from being publicized.