Eldred interim superintendent introduced at contentious meeting

SUSAN WADE
Posted 10/25/17

ELDRED, NY — The meeting agenda was non-controversial and the school board meeting was relatively brief, but there was significant public comment from the larger-than-usual crowd that met at …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Eldred interim superintendent introduced at contentious meeting

Posted

ELDRED, NY — The meeting agenda was non-controversial and the school board meeting was relatively brief, but there was significant public comment from the larger-than-usual crowd that met at the George Ross McKenzie school on October 20.

Coming out of retirement to fill an interim term as superintendent, Dr. John C. Morgano may have had reason to rethink his decision to take the reins from Robert Dufour, who leaves the Eldred school district on November 3.

Two commenters spoke about bullying that students in their families have experienced, and both averred that the administration has to date been unresponsive to the issue. One speaker said that the bullying is not only at the hands of other students but also comes from teachers and coaches. Dufour promised to have a phone conversation the following day to address one family’s concerns; otherwise the allegations were met with no response by administrators or board members. These comments came on the heels of a suit against the district brought by a former student and his family, who allege that bullying is ongoing and rampant in the district. 

Citing her decades of experience as a teacher and more currently as a substitute, another speaker stated that play time or recess seems to have priority over instilling responsibility in students. She said that the students generally have the attitude that it doesn’t matter whether or not they do the work required of them, and used as an example the recent collection of a homework assignment where only seven of 20 students handed in their work and that the students themselves acknowledged that there would be no repercussions. She warned that the idea that actions have no consequences is being reinforced and that the students’ future success is being handicapped as a result.

Addressing the issue of opting out of statewide testing, one speaker’s comments became personal between her and a board member. Asserting her authority as president, Carol Bliefernich admonished both parties to speak privately to address their concerns rather than use the public comment portion of the meeting to air their differences.

Another speaker asked that the board consider convening an executive session and allow him to explain what he believes to be misinterpretation of a provision of personnel contracts. The board declined to take such action and asked that they be advised in writing of the matter of concern.

On a more positive note, it was reported that collectively the junior class had the second highest SAT scores in the county, and that the scores exceeded the state average. Another teacher reported that funds had been raised to support Hudson Valley Strides Against Cancer and that under the auspices of “Soctober” her class was collecting new socks for families affected by tragedy. Donations can be made at the Elementary School.

A reception was held after the meeting for interim Superintendent Morgano to meet informally with attendees. He promised an “open door” policy during his time with the district.

eldred, school board

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here