Glen Cove Schools Attorney Addresses Investigation

The Glen Cove School Board's legal counsel had the floor at the start of its meeting Monday to address the ongoing investigation into an issue regarding standardized testing in the district.

John Gross chose his words carefully as he tried to explain a matter he said he is at little liberty to explain. He told several dozen parents and others in attendance that "the issue at core is some issues have been raised regarding the integrity of standardized testing procedure and administration."

Gross said the investigation is in the information gathering stage, which must be completed with due process before the possibility of anything formal happening, which could involve the state. 

He asked for a "great degree of patience" as he, his team and a separate investigator work to conclude the process. He apologized repeatedly for his lack of specifics, saying the amount of information he can so far provide is regulated by privacy concerns and most importantly by law.

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"We can't have important issues aired and resolved in public when it impinges upon an individual's not only statutory, but constitutional rights," Gross said.

He explained that the state has begun an annual professional performance review program that relies on the testing procedure maintaining its integrity statewide. Otherwise, Gross said, the review program "will not work." He said the program, governed by a Test Security and Educator Integrity office, has consumed a massive amount of time and effort by educators across the state, hence the sensitivity to any issues.

Gross said he hopes to have the matter brought to an end "in the very near future."

He apologetically declined to answer several questions from parents and residents about whether the investigation was targeting someone in particular and how it was being conducted. 

One parent asked whether the state is required to be involved in the matter. Gross said the district is required by law to report any possible test impropriety.

Asked if the information would become public at any point, Gross replied that it depends on the outcome of the investigation. Speaking generally, he said details of cases where misconduct have been determined only become public if there is a final adjudication with a hearing and a decision, or a resolution that is embodied in an agreement that the Board votes on.

Resident Zefy Christopoulos expressed concern over the validity of whatever triggered the investigation, and whether it might be considered questionable.

"If that was the case I would not be standing here and this would not be going forward. This is going forward because there is something to investigate, I assure you of that," said Gross.

One resident who said he spent 32 years in education said he attended the meeting because of the things he was hearing in the community.  

"I've never, ever heard the kinds of stories I've heard in the last couple of weeks. It's shocking," he said. He wanted to hear from Superintendent Joseph Laria on the subject.

"Rumor has been rampant. Stories that go on sound like Nazi Germany in many cases that are shocking, and I really would like to hear from the superintendent because I thought that, honestly, the agenda tonight, frankly, would be a report from Dr. Laria on what is transpiring...and not from a legal point of view, but what is going on in our school district," he said.

Gross responded that as legal counsel, he has advised Board and administration members not to speak about the investigation for the risk of being sued. He said he was aware of rumors circulating in the community and reiterated his call for patience for due process.

"The utmost concern I have is that the process is a fair and appropriate process for the people that are involved," Gross said. "I think it is unfortunate, because I've become privvy to the Board advising me of some of the commentary in the community. I really would ask that people avoid speculation and let the process continue."