Greenwich School Board Decides Fate of Popular HS Band Director

The Greenwich Board of Education unanimously rejected the recommendations of the school superintendent and an independent arbitrator and voted Wednesday night to reinstate suspended Greenwich High School band director John Yoon.

School Superintendent William McKersie and an independent arbitrator recommended Yoon’s dismissal in the wake of allegations he bullied two students and violated what has been described as a last-chance agreement Yoon signed last year following complaints accumulated during his 23-year tenure at the school.

• To sign up for breaking Greenwich news alerts and more, click here.
  

Board members expressed some concern over Yoon’s behavior but said the paid leave he’s been serving since his suspension in April was punishment enough, according to Greenwich Time. The gymnasium of Julian Curtiss School was packed with supporters of Yoon, who said after the meeting he plans to return to the classroom next week, according to the report.

Board member Peter Sherr, who made the motion to reinstate Yoon said, “I think the best outcome for the school system and the best outcome for our kids is to have Mr. Yoon back in the classroom starting tomorrow,” according to the Greenwich Time report.

Following the decision, McKersie and Greenwich High Headmaster Chris Winters declined to comment, as did McKersie’s attorneys, according to the Greenwich Time report that can be found here.