He also used his influence as band director to get discounted or free meals and trips for himself and his family, including trips to New York for the marching band’s appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008 and 2011, according to documents obtained by the Journal-News.
The district said Snyder gave endorsements to travel agencies.
“These … actions are inappropriate, unethical and unprofessional and will not be tolerated for Lakota Local School District employees,” Diane Brunsman, the district’s executive director of human resources, wrote in the letter of reprimand.
Snyder violated district policy that prohibits use of official influence for personal gain, prohibits school employees from accepting additional compensation from any outside source for performance of his official duties and accepting gifts from vendors or potential vendors for personal use of gain exceeding $25.
The letter, which stated an investigation into Snyder began with a parent complaint late last year, was signed by Snyder on April 8.
Snyder, whose 2013 salary was $99,712, began serving the suspension on Wednesday, and it will conclude May 17. The resignation is effective halfway though the 2014-15 school year, but it is unclear exactly when Snyder will leave his post.
In a written note beside the letter of resignation, Snyder initialed the statement: “Or such time as I am eligible to retire through STRS (State Teachers Retirement System) with 35 years of service.”
School officials referred all comment to attorney Erin Wessendorf-Wortman, who was out of the office Thursday and did not respond to phone calls or emails.
The letter of reprimand also states Snyder hosted private lessons for students at his home and gave students extra credit and points for the lessons. He also encouraged the hiring and payment of family members for band camp and was found at fault for treatment of students, including an incident at a band camp in which a student was told to run laps and passed out while the staff was inside.
By signing the agreement, Snyder is not admitting guilt to the accusations, according to documents obtained by this newspaper.
“It is understood that the execution of this agreement does not constitute an admission of any kind whatsoever by any party. Specifically, Mr. Snyder does not agree to alleged violations … but enters into this agreement solely to amicably resolve any differences between he and the board,” the agreement states.
Both county and West Chester Twp. law enforcement said Thursday there is no criminal investigation involving Snyder.
Snyder received a one-day suspension in 2007 for an alleged confrontation with a cross-country athlete who allegedly ran across the band practice area. The student alleged Snyder used his forearm and shoulder and repeatedly bumped him and impeded his progress, according to documents in his personnel file obtained by the Journal-News.
Snyder did not returned calls seeking comment.
Jessica McCracken, a 2013 Lakota West graduate and a former member of the band, said Snyder is a talented band director, but “he is very driven. He uses force and even sometimes fear in his direction.”
She added: “I think there is more here to be found.”
Jim Trygier, a band booster member, said after reading over some of the allegations, “I am not pleased with the information from the district. When I look at the allegations, it really seems to be some pretty petty stuff. There may be a legal issue with it, but there’s more than just Mr. Snyder involved; there’s the administration and other organizations.”
Trygier pointed to the band clinic that was held on school grounds for years.
“The school approved use of the buildings. If it wasn’t right, don’t you think someone would have noticed after 20 years of approval?” Trygier said.
He added the school district also approved the donations of the free trips.
Trygier said he finds the whole situation “fishy,” but he is not sure why it happened.
“Mr. Snyder has received national recognition for the band. There are a lot of kids who love him. There are a lot of kids and parents who don’t. But when you ask them if he is a good band director, most of them will say he’s great,” Trygier said.
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