From the Shen Website

Posted on 4/2/09 To clarify several news reports pertaining to Don Paretta, the boys’ track coach at Shenendehowa: On April 1, at 2 p.m., Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, superintendent, was informed that Coach Paretta had his teaching certification revoked in 1996. The certification was revoked based on a charge of abuse (there was not a conviction) that took place in Manhattan in 1992. That information was confirmed by the NYS Police and NYS Department of Education in a meeting with the superintendent. Dr. Robinson personally met with Mr. Paretta on April 1 at 3:15 and informed him that he was suspended immediately without pay until the investigation is completed. A recommendation for dismissal will be made to the board of education at the April 7th meeting. At the time he was hired in 1995, his certification was still valid. Based on the assumed premise that he possessed a valid certification as a physical education teacher, his only requirement to remain in the position was to keep his First Aid, CPR, and AED trainings updated. However, the district just learned that at the time of hire, the state education department was undergoing the process of revoking his certification, which was complete in 1996. The hiring of Mr. Paretta as a coach was also prior to mandated fingerprinting of staff. The New York State Education Department sent notification of Mr. Paretta's certification revocation to schools across the state in a memo dated January 24, 1996. However, there is no record of this notification on file at Shenendehowa. Again, upon hearing of the revocation of his certification, the coach was dismissed immediately (3:15 p.m. on April 1). This matter is still being reviewed by the school district, in conjunction with both the New York State Police and the State Education Department. The superintendent strongly encourages parents to contact Senior Investigator Patricia Donavan or Investigator Matthew Britton at the Clifton Park barracks of the New York State Police with any information pertaining to this matter. If students have any questions or concerns about this situation please contact the high school principal’s office, or the office of the Athletic Director. Also, questions and concerns can be addressed with the superintendent's office at 881-0610.