Pleasant Valley Superintendent Carole Geary has apologized to staff about an incident in which conversations were recorded in a faculty breakroom last year.

In April 2016, the Times News reported that a camera was found to be audio/videotaping teachers in a break room at Pleasant Valley Elementary School.Investigation into the matter continued, resulting in Geary meeting with the teachers recently and reading a prepared statement apologizing for the incident.In her statement Geary said that when the recording was made on April 5 and 6, she was out of town on school business, but she was made aware of the issue. She visited the school the following week.She said that despite two visits to the school and meetings with numerous teachers and staff, no one brought up the issue of the camera.Geary said Dr. John Burrus, director of human resources, was in contact with the association leadership to address any concerns."We answered all of their questions and assured them that this would not happen again," Geary said in her statement.She said she specifically asked elementary school Principal Erica Greer about the camera. According to Geary, Greer told her that it "seemed to have blown over."The issue resurfaced again over the summer when members of the board of education became involved. The board presented questions to Geary on Oct. 27, according to her statement.Geary said she researched answers and put together a time line to be presented to the board.The board met with Geary in early January to discuss the matter and Geary said "the board does not feel there was any malicious intent in having the video and audio installed in the faculty room. The recording was intentioned toward addressing "an employee work issue."Geary said the "majority of the board felt it was an error in judgment."She said she specifically addressed the error in judgment with the employees in question. The names are not released because no one has been charged.Geary declined to say what actions were taken "other than to assure you it was addressed formally."Geary also met with state police who had investigated the incident and informed her that the matter was closed.According to John Gesiskie, the teacher who discovered the camera, the matter is still unresolved as far as any possible "illegal" action until there is a response from the Monroe County District Attorney's office.Geary noted in her statement that there has not been a response to date."I assure you that this matter was taken seriously," Geary said in her statement."I have always tried to address issues as they occur to ensure a swift resolution. In this case, at no time was I contacted by staff so I had no indication there was a need to meet with you."Geary encouraged staff to make her aware of their concerns in the future."The key is, I need to be made aware of what these issues are. Given the opportunity, we can work through anything together."Geary assured the teachers and staff that appropriate disciplinary measures had been taken and the incident would not be repeated.When reached for comment on Tuesday, Geary told the Times News that the matter had been put to bed."This is a personnel matter, we investigated, the board investigated, it was dealt with," Geary said."We are of the belief that the matter is still open until we hear otherwise from the District Attorney's office," Gesiskie said Tuesday.