Catskill High School has a new interim principal

The Catskill Board of Education on Wednesday approved Thomas Martin to be the high school’s interim principal. He is stepping in three weeks after the board placed Principal Junait Shah on administrative leave pending an investigation into whether he had the proper qualifications. Shah has since found a new position in the Coxsackie-Athens Central School as director of technology and innovation.

Martin will serve as the interim principal until June 30, 2025.

NewsChannel 13 has been reporting the controversies in the Catskill School District, which have prompted an outcry from parents. Shah and Michele Storrs-Ryan had been suspended in March. This stemmed from a controversy in which tape was placed over a student’s mouth, which Storrs-Ryan threatened to do to get them to stop talking. Their suspensions prompted a huge turnout of supporters. They both were allowed to return to work.

The next school board meeting is on Sept. 11.