Two former Tuxedo Union Free School District principals who were removed from their jobs just days before graduation in 2023 say they have reached a $190,000 settlement with the district and are now demanding a public apology.

Roy Reese, former principal of George F. Baker High School, and Dolores Terlecky, former principal of George Grant Mason Elementary School, say the agreement brings them “a measure of justice” after what they describe as a sudden and damaging removal that left their careers and reputations in jeopardy.

The two administrators, who were 82 and 72 at the time, say they were escorted out of their buildings without warning and without being given a chance to respond to claims made by the superintendent. Their firings sparked outrage among students and parents, including a high school walkout that News 12 covered when the incident first unfolded.

The district never publicly commented on their firings or revealed what the allegations were against the beloved, longtime educators.

In their lawsuit, Reese and Terlecky accused the district of age discrimination and alleged that board members never questioned them or allowed them to defend themselves before their removal.

In a new statement announcing the settlement, the former principals say their combined 110 years of service to public education were “put in peril” by the district’s actions.

“We did nothing to deserve our dismissal,” they wrote. “Our reputations were tarnished without cause, and we now call on the Tuxedo Board of Education to publicly acknowledge the harm that was done.”

The educators said they hope the case serves as a reminder for school boards to act with diligence, transparency and compassion when handling serious personnel matters.

News 12 reached out to the Tuxedo Union Free School District for comment about the settlement and has not yet heard back.