After the Superintendent of the Maine-Endwell Central School District denied her request for two days off, teacher A. Castle still opted to go to the Dominican Republic for a "well-planned" vacation (and claimed the time as "family sick" days). After she was later found guilty of misconduct, insubordination, and being absent without leave, the School District adopted a Hearing Officer's recommendation that Castle be terminated.
On administrative appeal--pursuant to a CPLR Article 78--the Appellate Division, Third Department, didn't find that penalty "disproportionate" or shocking to its "sense of fairness," particularly given that Castle openly defied her employer's "direct order." (The woman's pristine employment record wasn't enough to prevent her from getting canned.)
Castle's in the air?
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use the following link: Matter of Castle v Maine-Endwell Cent. Sch. Dist.