Peekskill School Officials: Risoli on Administrative Re-Assignment Until Criminal Case Ends

Allison Risoli, chairwoman of the Peekskill High School Social Studies Department, will remain an employee of the Peekskill school district until the conclusion of her criminal case, according to school officials.

"The district became aware of this matter back in February, immediately notified the District Attorney’s Office and immediately placed Ms. Risoli on administrative re-assignment,” James Willis, superintendent of Peekskill schools said Tuesay night. “Ms Risoli will remain administrative re-assignment pending the conclusion of the legal process. The district will continue to cooperate with law enforcement authorities during the investigation.”

Risoli was arraigned in Peekskill city court Monday and charged with felony counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.

Investigators allege that Risoli changed answer on two separate state Regents examinations so that the students would pass. One of the exams was for the United States History and Government test and the other was for the Global History and Geography exam.

Willis said Risoli is entitled to hold her position under the Taylor Law until the state takes away her teaching license or she leaves on her own volition.

“Under education law, I can’t have two people holding the same position at the same  time,” Willis said. “You can hire a sub to come and replace them, but you can’t hire someone full-time for someone who is still on the books.”

The district attorney’s office is also investigating another unrelated case in involving allegations that four guidance counselors gave course credits to high school students for courses that weren’t being offered. Lucian Chalfen, a spokesman for the district’s attorneys office said that case is still under investigation and no charges have been filed.