Public Statement during Board Meeting - 1/13/2025
Good evening,
Thank you for being here tonight. Before we proceed to public comments, the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School would like to take a moment to address the recent tragedy that has deeply impacted our school community.
We mourn the loss of a valued member of our staff, Brian Deforge, who passed away last week. Brian was a dedicated and hardworking member of our school family for over three years, and his contributions to our community will not be forgotten. On behalf of the Board and the entire school community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
As we continue to navigate this situation, our focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff while working diligently to reopen the school building. We are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities, including the Syracuse City Fire Department and the Division of Code Enforcement, to complete reinspections and secure all necessary certifications. Safety is, and always will be, our top priority.
In the meantime, our commitment to education continues. We are providing asynchronous online instruction to ensure that our students’ learning is uninterrupted during this period.
As this matter is currently under active investigation by law enforcement, SAS staff, including the Superintendent, are limited in what they can say and have no further comment on the matter this evening. Please understand that maintaining the integrity of the ongoing investigation and ensuring the safety of our students and staff are our utmost priorities. The school has shared all known information with the public through various official press releases.
We will keep the community informed as more information becomes available and as we move closer to reopening the building safely. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through these challenges together.
We appreciate everyone’s support.
Thank you.
SAS Administration
