New York State Orders Reforms After School District Confined Children in Wooden Boxes
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New York's state education department has issued a compliance order requiring sweeping reforms at the Salmon River Central School District following an investigation into the use of wooden boxes to confine elementary school children, including children with disabilities and Native children. The practice ended in December 2025 after images circulated online, and the district has placed staff on leave and removed the boxes. The district's interim leadership states it is committed to change and compliance.
Facts First
- State investigation found students were confined in wooden 'stations', a practice the district ended in December 2025.
- At least five elementary-age students with disabilities were subjected to seclusion, and parents were not notified, violating state regulations.
- New York's education department issued a compliance order requiring sweeping reforms at the Salmon River Central School District.
- The district has placed staff on administrative leave, removed the boxes, and hired new interim leadership committed to compliance.
- Approximately two-thirds of district students are Mohawk, and some school employees involved are members of the tribal community.
What Happened
Officials in the Salmon River Central School District acknowledged that wooden boxes were constructed and used to confine elementary school children, including children with disabilities and Native children. The use ended in December 2025 after images circulated on social media. Local officials confirmed at least two boxes were built and used by staff in November and December 2025. Governor Kathy Hochul ordered an investigation by the state education department, which concluded students were subjected to seclusion when placed in 'stations' with the door held shut, and that parents were not notified, a violation of state regulations. The state issued a compliance order plan requiring sweeping reforms at the district. The district placed staff members on administrative leave, removed the wooden crates, and has since hired interim superintendents.
Why this Matters to You
If your child attends a public school, this case highlights the critical importance of transparency and adherence to state regulations regarding student discipline and safety. The failure to notify parents of such interventions may signal a breakdown in communication between schools and families that you could experience. For families of children with disabilities, the findings underscore the need for vigilant advocacy to ensure appropriate and lawful support is provided. The state's intervention and mandated reforms may lead to increased oversight and training in districts across New York, which could improve practices and safeguards for all students.
What's Next
The Salmon River Central School District is now required to implement the state's compliance order plan, which mandates sweeping reforms. Interim superintendent Ben Barkley stated the district is committed to change and will be in full compliance. The district has recently approved the permanent hiring of Rebecca Stanley as the new head of special education, who confirmed the state report includes violations such as 'the use of seclusion' and 'improper physical restraints'. The compliance order plan has not been released publicly and does not recommend staff dismissal; personnel decisions remain a matter of local control. The district's ongoing commitment to change and compliance will likely be monitored by the state education department.