The reorganization meeting of the Elmont School Board followed the customary format. District Clerk, Ms Lloyd, called the meeting to order, immediately welcomed newly elected members, and swore them into office.
Next on the agenda was the election of officers. On 5-2 votes Ragona and Ferrigno were elected president and vice-president respectively. Byer and Parker-Duncanson voted in opposition. Byer's descent, she explained, was in part due to incidents of physical and verbal abuse she had experienced and the acceptance of said behavior by both officers. In her calm demeanor, Ms Byer described a late night altercation in the parking lot of Elmont Road School "they stood by as Jamie insulted, threatened and hurled profanity " said Byer. She further stated that on the day following the parking lot incident she reported it to the district's attorney, Nugent. According to Byer, a second incident involving Ragona occurred during a short recess of a regularly scheduled board meeting. Byer did not elaborate, but instead referred to a letter that documents the events of that evening. The letter is attached for your perusal.
What preceded the confrontations? Byer contends Jaime has been persistent and verbose in his derogatory actions toward her but acted out in this instance in response to her request to gather more information about the Gateway Youth Outreach (GYO) Dutch Broadway expansion plan. What is important according to Byer, who receives many complaints from parents about the program, is quality. "Many of our parents work multiple jobs and need cost effective, high quality after school programs for their children." GYO, according to many parents, is a cheap last resort and for other parents it is their only option - a godsend. As president of the Elmont School Board, she supported a "quality first" model. "GYO, an organization with dedicated overworked employees must improve services in its present offerings before it expands to other buildings", said Byer.
It was just a few short months ago when the GYO run after school program at Clara H. Carlson School, was the scene of a violent incident which left one of GYO's employees injured after being beaten by a group teens in the presence of children in GYO's care. Byer noted, "Had it not been for quick acting ElmontSchool District staff who reinforced the brave, overworked GYO employees who knows how much worse this might have been?" Is the board being responsible when Ragona, Ferrigno, Jaime, Maffea and Walker (The Five) vote 5-2 to grant an expansion of the program to Dutch Broadway School?
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Don't not speak for me Ferrigno. |
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At no time since your "election" in May 04 have I agreed to one-year terms for High School board members. It is true that in 01 - 02 I challenged the policy, but was convinced by Board Members Termini and Doreson of its rational. Since then, both experience and the memory of Mr. Termini's words of caution have strengthened my support for the districts By-Laws and policies. During your first term as Vice President, you did argue against the 9000(b) Section 3 and in fact instructed the Attorney to change it. Why, despite having a majority, you never presented it for board action? The amendment to 9000(b) Section 3 of June 23, 2008 has elements in support of both of our concerns. For me consistency and continuity and thoughtful governance; for you, well it appears it is a mechanism by which you can easily get rid of people you do not like. First, it was "divisive" Phillips, now it's (you define it) Parker-Duncanson. Ultimately, our district suffers when ill-conceived public policy is pursued in order to achieve personal vendettas and ambitions or help friends because of some misguided notion of "loyalty".
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The reorganization meeting took another odd turn when the board adopted its policies but excluded By-Law 9000(b) Section 3. The Five had tabled the election of Elmont's representatives to the Sewanhaka Central High School District Board. Is this the height of irresponsibility? The 5-2 vote leaves Elmont's representation at the high school district in a state of confusion. The remarks from the board suggest there is a movement afoot to terminate prematurely Parker-Duncanson's three-year term on the high school district board. Speculation is Ragona and Jaime, are positioning themselves for election to the high school district board. The community hopes that one of The Five recognizes the good work of Parker-Duncanson and supports her continuing as one of the two Sewanhaka Board Members. Our children are worth it!
In a recent review of the school year, published here on Elmont On-line, the Elmont School Board adopted the first change to By-Law 9000(b) Section 3 since 1992, if ever. At the June meeting of the Elmont School Board, Attorney Nugent brought forward for first reading a change proposed by Ragona, Jaime and Ferrigno. The change required yearly appointments to the high school board. Now, less than two weeks since the adoption The Five has proposed changes again. Is this good public policy or simply an ongoing effort to diminish the contributions of other members of the board, past and present?
Finally, the evening ended with Ferrigno's disclosure of discussions and meetings between and among The Five. According to Ferrigno, they decided who would be president and vice-president prior to the July 1st meeting, a clear violation of open meeting law.
Other reports:
Three Village Times
Franklin Square Elmont Herald
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