District Axes Superintendent of Business

The Glen Cove School District's decision not to renew the year-to-year contract of its deputy superintendent is being criticized by incredulous community members, with many saying they don't understand why the person responsible for building the district's reserves and drafting budgets that have passed for a decade is being given the boot.

"With all due respect to my fellow Board members, I am deeply saddened. I have enjoyed working with Kevin Wurtz over the years he's been here," said trustee Gail Nedbor-Gross at the Board's meeting Monday. "You've kept us solid. You've kept us in the black. You've kept us at minimum tax increases. You've been a big benefit to this district, and I do not agree with this..." she said.

Nedbor-Gross was the only vote against the recommendation; the Board voted 6-1 in favor of not renewing the contract.

Trustee Donna Brady also praised Wurtz before the vote. 

"I just want to say thank you also to Mr. Wurtz, because the truth is we're in a better place than we were, and I just want to thank you for that," said Brady.

Mayor Ralph Suozzi was in the audience at the Monday meeting. He spoke at the Board's April 8 meeting to praise Wurtz's service, and Suozzi encouraged him to reapply for the position.

Several residents asked why a man who they said has been valuable to the district is not being kept in his position. Board President Joel Sunshine said the issue is a personnel matter and can't be discussed privately due to privacy laws.

What do you think about the district's decision? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.