Former Newburgh principal, teacher file suit against ex-superintendent accused of sexual harassment

Two former Newburgh educators who filed workplace sexual harassment allegations against their former boss are now suing for the alleged misconduct and retaliation.
Elizabeth Walsh and Una Miller have filed a lawsuit in Orange County Supreme Court against the Newburgh School district, its Board of Education and former Superintendent Dr. Roberto Padilla.
The women allege Padilla made unwanted sexual contact and advances during an out of state conference August 10, 2021.
Since coming forward, the women say they felt forced to quit while allegedly being retaliated against by district officials and made to interact with Padilla.
"My clients have experienced a lot of things that women who have been sexually harassed at work experience," said Alexandra Berke, an attorney representing both women. "They were harassed. It was upsetting. It was wrong. It was unlawful. Then, they reported it and rather than being supported through the process, they were retaliated against."
Padilla received his salary and benefits while on paid administrative leave for months during two separate sexual harassment probes.
The district reached a six-figure resignation settlement with Padilla last year and has not disclosed the findings of the investigations.
An attorney for the district and board said they just received a copy of the lawsuit last night, and that there's no comment.