MONTICELLO, NY — Larry Wolinsky, one of the lawyers representing Brendan and Kathy Weiden in the matter of the sale of the Narrowsburg school, said on September 16 that he was working on a lawsuit that would be filed that day against Joan Buto. On September 12, Buto attended a meeting at which everyone believed she would sign over her contract with the Sullivan West School District to the Weidens. But she was upset that the Weidens, who were working in New York City, did not personally attend the meeting, and also upset that the group Narrowsburg Organized for Responsible School Usage (NORSU) held a press conference about the school. Buto surprised everyone involved by saying she would not proceed with the assignment of the contract unless the price were raised from $751,000 to $1.5 million.

The deal fell through, and the Weidens said they would bring legal action to compel Buto to proceed with the transfer as agreed. Wolinsky said he and his clients believe that the court will force Buto to proceed with the assignment of the contract. Buto issued a statement saying she knew the higher price would be rejected “which admittedly we made because we felt slighted and embarrassed.” She further said, “evidently God has made His decision. We are keeping the school.”

Because the transfer did not occur, the lawsuit against the school district remains in place.