He observed her in the classroom — and in the bedroom.
A young Queens teacher claims she got the boot after complaining that she was harassed by her assistant principal, who allegedly sent her offensive e-mails, humiliated her with Facebook postings and sent threats that caused her to “fear for my life” after they broke up.
Karien Pichardo, 32, was fired just shy of getting tenure at PS 253 in Far Rockaway after her romance with Assistant Principal Fred Iorio, 50, turned toxic.
Iorio remains in his $104,000-a-year job after admitting he bedded the rookie under his watch.
“It’s shocking and unfair that he could do all this, and he’s the one who was protected.” she said.
The Department of Education has no policy against romantic relationships between employees.
Pichardo is suing Iorio as well as school officials, including outgoing Chancellor Joel Klein, in Manhattan Supreme Court, contending her complaints were swept under the rug.
Her lawyer, Marshall Bellovin, said school investigators “whitewashed” Iorio’s conduct.
After Pichardo — who is seeking unspecified damages — broke off their six-month affair, Iorio allegedly bombarded the pretty brunette with love poems and notes begging her to take him back.
In a furious rant on Facebook, the assistant principal wrote: “I put myself out there and got creamed emotionally and financially for it. Most of the clothes, shoes, house wares, mascara and perfumes she has I purchased for her,” the suit says.
Pichardo said she found photos of Iorio, his relatives and his dog tucked into her tote bag and desk.
Iorio, according to her suit, also sent a terrifying e-mail that read: “REMEMBER, SOME PEOPLE ARE ALIVE SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT THEM.”
Iorio denied making any threats. He said Pichardo, who was recently divorced, seduced him.
He said he was reprimanded only for “poor judgment” in dating the teacher and for demanding she pay $1,100 to refund his gifts.
The Department of Education declined requests for comment.
Pichardo, rated satisfactory her first two years, was fired for excessive absences.
She says the harassment made her sick with a diagnosed stress disorder.