Wooden box at the St. Regis Mohawk School. (Provided photo — Facebook)

FORT COVINGTON — In a statement to the media Tuesday night, Salmon River Central School District Acting Superintendent Dale Breault confirmed the investigation into the alleged mistreatment of students is being conducted by an independent law firm and is expected to take several weeks to interview staff and review all records related to the incident.

The SRCSD Board of Education launched an investigation last month into the conduct of school administrators following allegations of the construction and use of wooden boxes to put students in “time outs,” the compliance actions had with regulations and any accusations of student abuse.

“I want the community to know that I have heard their concerns — both directly and indirectly — regarding the recent allegations of staff misconduct in the district. I understand the outrage recent events have created, and I take your calls for accountability and decisive action very seriously,” Breault said in a statement.

“Please know, the investigation into the use of wooden boxes as calming stations in the district remains active, and additional information is being gathered. Late last month, the New York State Education Department visited the district and confirmed all boxes were dismantled and removed. We are making arrangements to provide appropriate calming resources and procedures for students.”

Superintendent Dr. Stanley Harper remains on at-home status and is not expected to return to the district, according to Breault’s statement.

Salmon River Director of Special Education Allen Gravell, St. Regis Mohawk School Principal Alison Benedict and elementary school teacher Karrie Haverstock were also placed on administrative leave by the district until further notice, the board said in a statement in December.

Breault said they have not found evidence that would justify placing additional staff members on leave.

“However, as the investigation progresses, further personnel actions may be taken if supported by the findings,” he said.

Rebecca Stanley has been designated acting chairperson for both the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education, Jenna Cruickshank has been appointed as acting principal of St. Regis Mohawk School and Brandi Harris is providing administrative support at the school.

Breault encourages anyone with concerns or complaints about any district staff members to file a Dignity for All Students Act complaint on the district website at srk12.org/about-us/policies-procedures-plans-annual-notifications/bullying/.

The search for a full-time interim superintendent is underway with Breault assisting and conducting interviews.

“In order to have a leader that can dedicate their full attention to the district, it is the board’s intention to appoint a full-time interim leader to see the district through this troubling time,” Breault said. “I am assisting with the search for an interim superintendent and have already conducted interviews. I expect to make an announcement shortly regarding an appointment.

“I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation thus far. In my regional role as the BOCES district superintendent, I remain committed to the Salmon River community and will continue to provide support throughout into the future.”

NYSED Special Education Quality Assurance and NYSED Office of Accountability were not available for a comment as of deadline Wednesday.