Suspended Catskill principal gets new position in Coxsackie-Athens school district

The Catskill High School principal, who was suspended pending an investigation into whether he had the proper qualifications, has found a new job.

Junait Shah was appointed on Thursday as the new director of innovation and technology for the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District. In this role, he will work to coordinate the district’s long-term technology goals including developing policies around the social, legal and ethical issues associated with technology, according to a statement on the district’s website. 

“We had a strong pool of candidates, and Mr. Shah impressed the interview team with his understanding of the role technology plays in modifying and redefining learning in classrooms,” said Superintendent of Schools Randy Squier in a statement.

Shah was principal of Catskill High School since 2020. He was assistant principal at Catskill Middle School from 2017 to 2020.

Shah had been suspended twice at Catskill. The first one followed an incident in which a student said they placed duct tape over their mouth in a response to a request from teacher asking students to stop talking during a musical rehearsal.

That teacher, Michele Storrs-Ryan, was also placed on leave. Their suspensions prompted a huge turnout of supporters at school board meetings. They eventually were allowed to return to work.

Shah was placed on administrative leave last month, pending an investigation as to whether he is qualified to hold the job.

School principals are required to hold building leader certification.

NewsChannel 13 has reached out to the Coxsackie-Athens superintendent of schools for comment but has not heard back.

We have also sought comment from Catskill Superintendent of Schools Dan Wilson.