LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — Shockwaves continue to ripple through a Long Island community after disturbing allegations surfaced against a veteran elementary school principal.

The New York Post reported that Karen Heitner, the principal of Pasadena Elementary School in Plainview, faces a disciplinary hearing that could cost her job and tenure after allegations that she groped two staff members during a school PTA luncheon in June 2023.

According to testimony, the alleged incident occurred in the school courtyard near an ice cream truck, where two female employees stated that Heitner inappropriately touched them during a school-sponsored event. Stacey Ross, a 17-year employee of the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, testified that Heitner approached her from behind and touched her buttocks before reportedly saying, “I goosed you.” Ross said the encounter left her feeling violated and resulted in her resignation from the district.

The second accuser, a longtime speech therapist in the district, alleged that Heitner groped her as she bent over to console Ross immediately after the first incident. Neither woman reported the incident to law enforcement at the time, citing fear of retaliation and difficulty confronting a supervisor. However, both submitted formal notices of claim to the school district—an initial legal step toward potential civil litigation.

Allegations Expand Beyond Initial Claims

As the district investigated, more staff came forward with complaints. In total, eight employees, including the original two accusers, described a broader pattern of inappropriate behavior from Heitner. These accounts included unprofessional sexual remarks and disparaging comments related to age, said to have contributed to a hostile work environment.

One witness recalled Heitner joking, in a private setting, that the speech therapist "wasn't the oldest person in the room," despite the two being alone. Another incident involved an alleged sexual remark made by Heitner during a team-building exercise at a time when the speech therapist was mourning her husband's recent passing. She described the remark as particularly degrading and insensitive.

These testimonies contributed to an internal report led by the district's human resources director, Christopher Donarummo, which concluded that Heitner had violated the school district’s sexual harassment policies. As a result, the district initiated proceedings under New York State's Section 3020-a law—an official process used to discipline tenured educators.

Principal Requests Public Hearing Amid Defense Claims

Though 3020-a proceedings are typically kept confidential, Heitner requested that the hearings be made public. Her attorney, Edward Heilig, has argued vigorously that the allegations are politically charged and stem from misunderstandings, not misconduct. He maintains that the alleged groping during the luncheon amounted to nothing more than an “innocent glance.”

Heilig has questioned the impartiality of the internal investigation and claimed that district administrators ignored procedures that could have ensured fairness. He also portrayed the women testifying against Heitner as disgruntled former workers, though both have denied such motives and presented strong work performance records in prior evaluations.

Cross-examinations during the April hearings attempted to highlight discrepancies between the accusers’ current testimonies and their earlier legal filings. One of the women, an occupational therapist, denied exaggerating or fabricating her account, stating steadfastly that her resignation stemmed only from the abuse she suffered.

District Responds Firmly to Public Allegations

The Plainview-Old Bethpage School District has been vocal in its support for the disciplinary action against Heitner. In a public statement, officials confirmed their decision to pursue the charges after thoroughly evaluating the investigative findings, saying the school system “stands firmly behind its decisions.”

For Stacey Ross, the cost has been deeply personal. Once intending to retire with the district after a long career, she talked about how the incident cut that hope short. “I wanted to escape from this,” she testified. “She ruined my plan to retire here.” The speech therapist also expressed frustration over how the administration handled the situation. “The district did nothing,” she said. “She could do whatever she wanted, and there were no consequences.”

Why This Story Matters

This unfolding case highlights how misconduct inside educational institutions can upend careers and create hostile environments for employees. It underscores the importance of due process and ethical leadership, especially when leaders are entrusted with the safety of others. Communities rely on schools not just for education but for a safe and respectful workplace for all staff.

Conclusion

Karen Heitner, the principal of Pasadena Elementary School in Plainview, is undergoing disciplinary proceedings after being accused of groping two employees during a PTA luncheon in June 2023. Testimony from both the alleged victims and additional staffers detailed a pattern of behavior that investigators concluded violated district policies.

Heitner denies the charges and claims they are politically driven. With the hearings made public at Heitner’s request, attention remains focused as the outcome could lead to her dismissal and loss of tenure. The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday as the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District pursues formal removal measures.