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The Injustice of the Glen Cove School Board

Qualified local candidate passed over for position by Glen Cove Board of Ed

We elect people to represent the community. I sincerely believe that the Glen Cove School District Board of Education is not representing the community.

Our very own Dr. Michael Israel was one of the candidates presented to the Board for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum.  Dr. Michael Israel is a well-respected community member, whose children attend our schools, and is an alumnus of Glen Cove High School.  His current position as the Principal of Landing School gives him a proven track record, earning the honor as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.  His dedication to Glen Cove is unsurpassed.   It was his choice, 13 years ago, to accept the Principal position.  He was thrilled to be coming back to Glen Cove to serve his hometown.

Dr. Israel’s qualifications for this position are equal to any candidate that is presented to the Board.  What separates him from the other candidates is the fact that he is a lifelong resident dedicated to the community of Glen Cove.  He has the experience and knowledge to help make Glen Cove one of the finest places to have your child educated.  He has done this as Principal of Landing School (National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence).  He should be given the opportunity to accomplish this for the entire Glen Cove School District.

It appears that the Board of Ed is going to offer the position to an outsider who does not have a proven track record (4 school districts in the past 7 years).   

Let the Board of Ed know what you think; send an email by going to www.glencove.k12.ny.us/boardofeducation/  and click on “email the board”

Let your voice be heard at the next Board of Ed Meeting, Monday, June 18 @ 8pm, Finley Middle School library.

Maureen Pappachristou

LillieAnne June 18, 2012 at 10:08 pm
I truly believe that the board members who have voted against Mike Israel are all making it a personal matter!!! Each one that voted no has had there children in his school and have had "issues" its very obvious that these people can't put aside there there vindictiviness to vote in a decent, hardworking and community member! Can't wait to vote those board members out!!!!!!!!
paul June 19, 2012 at 03:27 pm
has to be voted on again
paul June 19, 2012 at 04:21 pm
Maccarone,Huggins, Dratch & Nedor Gross, against
Sunshine,McQuair,Farnan for hiring the out side person the said they had to discuss with legal councel something??? that is why they posponed the vote untill friday on offering the job to Dr Israel
anar June 19, 2012 at 10:11 pm
The vote that occurred last night was to appoint the other individual, not Dr. Israel. It was voted down by the Board 4 votes to 3, along the lines listed by Paul immediately above me. After the public celebrated, Mr. Maccarone, acting in his last public Meeting as Board Of Education President before his term ends/he resigns/not sure, asked for an Executive Session in order to vote FOR Dr. Israel. After the Executive Session the Board of Education returned to the library where they announced it was in their best interest to seek legal advice before reaching too far beyond their bounds and announced that this Friday they would have a meeting where they will vote on the other qualified candidate, who is well known to be Dr. Israel.
Suzanne Anderson June 19, 2012 at 10:21 pm
I have to commend the packed house of people who attended....the people who spoke were well mannered, with valid points. A true showing of the tight knit family oriented community we are!!! It's a shame the board of education felt it necessary to have THREE security guards in attendance when it was a member of the board who was out of line and should have been escorted out!!!!!! What a waste of money - did they think we were going to storm the castle?
Warren Haynes June 20, 2012 at 12:59 am
Hi, there were 2 board members that were out of line. Maybe it would help to ask the committee to provide us with 4 additional names and have the board interview them and pick the person who is most qualified. Maybe we should be asking did the committee go through all of the other canadates fairly? I'm not saying they did or didn't, but since we are a tight knit family I would like the person most qualified to help our children. It is by the way about the children!
Warren Haynes June 20, 2012 at 11:07 pm
It is very interesting that you feel the people who spoke were well mannered. I was ashamed to see the behavior of most in that room, not to mention there were students in attendance, shame on all of us. The behavior was dreadful. I sincerely hope that everyone in this community is remembering the reason we are looking for a Asst Superintendent of Curriculum. That would be for the the children of this community. It's not about who is friends/neighbors with whom, it is about finding the best person for the job. A new search would be best, find 2 other qualified candidates and then add Dr Israel and make an intelligent and informed decision for the students, not for a friend.If Dr Israel is truly the best, let him stand on his merits, not on the shoulders of his supposed friends.
Lou June 21, 2012 at 11:04 am
What is Dr. Israel's track record outside of Glen Cove? Oyster Bay, Locust Valley? Where has he been, and what has he done in the 20+ years before coming back ?
Lou June 21, 2012 at 11:20 am
It's not a question of whether or not they have children attending his school. This position is responsible for the educational welfare of ALL the district's children.
Lou June 21, 2012 at 11:28 am
I too, as a Glen Cove resident, have heard similar stories. Although this may not be a point to disqualify, it does raise the question as to his being a well rounded, dedicated responsible individual.
Lou June 21, 2012 at 11:35 am
The Board of Ed's vote was already decided long before the executive and public meetings on Tuesday. I didn't realize the only qualifications were being a lifelong resident and being well known. The theatrics that transpired at Tuesday's meeting were disgusting. The "good ole boy" mentality of influencing votes was a throwback to 50 years ago. This is a democratic process, and everyone has the right to vote as they wish, without the fear of pressuring, public opinion, etc......
PAtRINA GRELLA June 22, 2012 at 07:43 pm
Patrina Grella
Stories about Dr. Israel not being around or involved in day to day running of his school is untrue!! I have had three children attend Landing school over the years & I have found Dr. Isael to atways be involved so get your story straight before you post nonsense!!! There is a reason why it's called THE FRIENDLY SCHOOL!!! I think as Glen Cove residents we need to look more carefully into our BOE nominees before voting for them!!!
kathy June 24, 2012 at 05:18 pm
I worked with Dr. Israel when he was Assistant Principal at the Locust Valley Intermediate School. He was a wonderful administrator. He was great with the students and parents.I always knew he was proud to be a Glen Cove resident and former student. He left to get a job as Principal in the district he loves. We hated losing him, but totally understood the reason for his leaving. You can go to restaurants and super markets in Glen Cove and run into him with his family. Hes an administor in it for the RIGHT reason. Love of his job, school district and community. I wish Locust Valley could say that.
Phil E. June 24, 2012 at 09:43 pm
As a previous Glen Cove board member I remember Dr. Israel very well. .. and even suggested he be considered for Superintendent. Lets stop with politics..this guy is good.
Warren Haynes June 25, 2012 at 01:20 pm
Kathy, Is he Qualified? How does this help our children that the person who is applying for a position may not be the best qualified but is well liked in the community? I know Dr Israel is a really nice person and well liked but no one has said why he deserves it only that he is from Glen Cove. All I'm asking is why pick someone who is liked but may not be qualified? And no one will respond.
kathy June 25, 2012 at 02:17 pm
While he was working at Locust Valley, he attained his Doctorate. He knew the students names and parents. Dr. Israel was involved in student activities. To receive the Blue Ribbon Award is an honor.Brad, this is NOT a popularity contest. Dr. Israel is well qualified and is deserving of this position.He understands what is best for the Glen Cove School District. My husband has taught in this district for over 30 years. We both were thrilled to see that Dr, Israel was considered for the position of Assistant Superentendent..
Warren Haynes June 25, 2012 at 05:05 pm
Kathy, I'm happy that he knows the students names and parents. The school received the Blue Ribbon which is an honor, but however the grades where in the toilet and now they reached the sink, and that is also due to the hard work of all the teachers and the kids. You really don't think this is a popularity contest? All I see is how we should pick Dr Israel because he is from GC But I never hear what is best for our children. Knowing someone is not always the best way to pick someone. So if you had 4 resumes without the persons name on it who do you pick the person who is from GC or the the most qualified? I will say this every time it is for the Children and not for who knows who when it comes to our Children's education.
kathy June 25, 2012 at 06:47 pm
Locust Valley never hires anyone from the area. They bring in someone who call it Jericho North. Some people look really good on paper, but I know first hand that doesnt work.
Warren Haynes June 25, 2012 at 07:27 pm
Kathy, I'm sorry to hear this. All I'm asking for is the most qualified and not the most liked. You did point out that while Dr Israel was working in Locust Valley he did attain his Doctorate. Know one else pointed that out and all people in GC continue to point out that he is a local person. I am really happy to see that Dr Israel left on his own to become a very good principle at the Landing School. I hope the entire board thinks of our Children and not just because he is a friend of ours.
BeachGal June 25, 2012 at 08:05 pm
Brad, I think the point that many folks on this thread are trying to make is very often in the school district's recent history administrators have come to Glen Cove to gain experience, make a name for themselves, try out their ideas so that when the opportunity to comes along to get the job they really want in a Jericho, Great Neck, etc. they jump ship leaving our students adrift in the water. As a result our children are treated to many capricious changes of curriculum and philosophies in their education all in the name of someone looking to advance their careers out of Glen Cove. By pointing out that Dr. Israel is a "home grown" Glen Cove resident who sends his kids to Glen Cove schools and is involved in many community activities they are trying to show that he is invested in Glen Cove and is not one of these people who will leave our kids in the lurch. Perhaps they did Dr. Israel a disservice by not mentioning all of his qualifications and accomplishments.
Does anyone know what the current status of this appointment is?
kathy June 26, 2012 at 12:17 am
Brad. resumes don't have a heart and soul. But Dr. Israel does. I wish Locust Valley had Administratos like that. Locust Valley has robots. Jericho North, I wish Locust Valley Administrators would leave. AWFUL
paul June 26, 2012 at 01:57 pm
Does anyone know what the current status of this appointment is?
Audrey Maher June 26, 2012 at 03:00 pm
Bob,Lou,and Brad why are you not leaving your last names? What are you hiding
Lou June 29, 2012 at 01:56 pm
PRIVACY..... Because my opinions are contrary to the majority, I for one will not become a pariah in my own town. Behavior should reflect educated minds, when discussing educational issues. The recent email barrage against Dr. Laria was, on many levels, contradictory to this simple idea.
Suzanne Anderson June 29, 2012 at 02:10 pm
Lou,
I have reviewed all the comments to this article and do not see anywhere comments "against" Dr. Laria?? What emails are you referring to? Something private that we do not know about? Just because some people would like to see a quailified in house candidate be moved forward it does not necessarily mean they are against Dr. Laria. In fact maybe with his experience he could possibly be the right person to show Dr. Israel "the ropes" and help stop the revolving door of adminstrators her in GC. Only time will tell...... So once again what negative emails are you referring to?
Suzanne Anderson June 29, 2012 at 02:29 pm
I have been involved in the schools for a LONG time. We have been looking for the end of the revolving door since Florence Andreason. Every meet the candidates night has entertained this question for at least the past 8-10 years. It is not a surprise the BOE and the public would like to see qualified people move forward here- we can't afford to lose anymore talent that is not given a chance here but moves on to flourishing careers elsewhere.
The time is now...and there is a chance to produce 2 educational champions in Glen Cove, something we can ALL agree we could use.
Lou June 29, 2012 at 02:46 pm
The emails that were sent out emasse by Landing School parents, possibly teachers, and other Dr. Israel supporters, following Dr. Laria's decision not to recommend him as AS for C. It was obvious at the board meeting that many people's attitudes, including board members, were less than professional or thoughtful. Yes, I'm sure Dr. Laria's 47 years of educational experience would be beneficial in mentoring Dr. Israel, or another qualified individual.
Suzanne Anderson June 29, 2012 at 04:44 pm
Are these emails by Landing School parents/teachers public? Where should I go to view them. I haven't received any and I'm pretty active in our schools.
I also haven't seen any public negative comments directed at the superintendent. Why read more into this topic than there is? It is about support for a qualified in house candidate not an attack on administration. It is possible to have a position that is not in line with the direction some BOE members choose and still respect the powers that be. I believe the Suprintendent even commended the public for their civil discourse during public speaking at the BOE meeting. The public uproar was after the unfortunate comment made by Mr. Sunshine. Were you there Lou? do you disagree with that?
Maureen Pappachristou June 29, 2012 at 07:59 pm
The next BOE meeting is Monday, July 2, and they will be voting on the Assistant Supt for Curriculum position.
It is also the Reorganization Meeting, when the Board Members vote amongst themselves who will be President and Vice President. I certainly hope that the BOE members take into consideration the comment made by Joel Sunshine -- and the uproar after said comment from the room full of residents -- when deciding who should be President. I certainly don’t think or want him to be representing us, you know the “mob.”
Melissa Etheridge June 29, 2012 at 08:02 pm
I was unable to make the school board meeting last night and I am unable to find any comments from last night's meeting. I was informed however that someone wrote a vulgar word on the back of the name plate of one of the school board members. I'm offended and would like the person who wrote this to come forward. I believe that since we are a (close knit) community we should all be ashamed of ourselves to let this happen. Our school board members are doing this job for the children and the community. We may not like agree with everything they say or do but, we should be a little more mature. To all the other members of this blog, can you please weigh in on your thoughts on the maturity of a person who would write such a thing?

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