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In a letter to parents, McKay calls the charges "deeply troubling for our entire school community." The superintendent also notes that the school district has been cooperating with the Westchester County District Attorney and New Castle Police during the course of their investigation.
McKay also detailed counseling support being offered and added that Greeley Principal Robert Rhodes will be available to meet with parents to discuss how to support their children.
McKay's full letter is below, with italics added by Daily Voice for this article for format differentiation:
Dear Chappaqua Families,
As you may be aware, Chris Schraufnagel, a former theater teacher at Greeley, was arrested by the New Castle Police today on a felony and serious misdemeanor charges. The charges are deeply troubling for our entire school community. Mr. Schraufnagel resigned from the District on Sept. 4, 2015, after having been on leave since June 15, 2015, when allegations first came to our attention. We have been cooperating with requests made by the New Castle Police and Westchester District Attorney throughout their investigation and will continue to support the authorities in every way possible.
The safety and well‐being of our students is our highest priority. Throughout the summer, our high school clinical staff and guidance counselors were available, as they are now, to Greeley students. They are experienced in dealing with trauma issues. Since June, Westchester Jewish Community Services clinical experts have been consulting with us, including providing additional training for our high school counseling team. They are continuing to work with us throughout the year.
Given the seriousness of the charges and the concerns they raise, your principal, in the coming weeks, will provide an opportunity for you to discuss how to support your children and to learn how the District and your school address safe learning environments for students.
An arrest of this nature has a profound effect on our community. We know that some students may be talking about information that may make them feel confused or anxious. Their teachers, as well as our clinical staff and guidance counselors, are well‐prepared to address their concerns. Also, they can provide additional resources for students and families.
This is a challenging time for our school community and we are doing everything possible to support our students, parents, and staff. Our faculty and staff, as always, are committed to providing an academically strong and safe learning environment for all students.
Thank you very much for your support and assistance during this difficult time for our school community. Please contact your principal or me directly with specific questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Lyn McKay
Superintendent
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