Questions about a proposed executive assistant to the superintendent position, concerns about employee retaliation and complaints over special-education services dominated public comment at the Valley Central Board of Education meeting Oct. 19.

Montgomery resident Mark Palczewski questioned the board about the position, which was listed at $135 an hour.

Palczewski said that rate would amount to about $208,000 annually and compared it with what he said was an average executive assistant salary of about $80,000 in New York. Even using the 90th percentile, he said, the salary would be about $122,000.

“I think that’s a little excessive,” Palczewski said, asking the board to explain the compensation.

Board President Jane Samuelson said she would not answer the question immediately but would take it under advisement.

Palczewski said he generally supports the district’s budget but expects the board to be a good steward of taxpayer money.

“To me, that, without an explanation, is extremely excessive pay,” he said.
Sylvie Rinaldi also questioned the position and asked the board to table its approval until the public could receive additional information and comment at a future meeting.

Rinaldi, co-chair of Residents Protecting Montgomery, said several district employees, including teachers, had privately contacted her about the issue. She said some told her they were afraid of retaliation, believed speaking out was discouraged or felt they could not raise concerns publicly.

“I want these teachers and these employees to have a voice,” Rinaldi said. “I can’t come to these meetings as a liaison for their issues. And this is a challenge for you guys to figure out how to hear them.”

The board did not discuss the matter publicly but agreed to table the position for a future meeting.

Assistant superintendent announces departure
During the meeting, Ivelisse Mojica, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, announced that she had accepted another position and would leave Valley Central Nov. 16.

Mojica thanked the district community for the relationships and collaboration she experienced during her tenure and said she remained proud of the district’s strategic plan and its work on behalf of students.

“Although my chapter here at Valley Central is coming to a close, the voyage continues,” Mojica said.

Walden resident questions district support for spelling bee
Lynn Thompson, Village of Walden’s Deputy Mayor and member of the Walden Community Council, criticized what she described as a lack of support from Valley Central for the community’s annual spelling bee.

Thompson said the Walden Community Council has tried for three years to involve Valley Central students in the spelling bee, which is held as part of the village’s Harvest Fest activities.

She said the event is intended for fourth- and fifth-grade students and is designed to promote literacy and help prepare students for the county spelling bee.

According to Thompson, no Valley Central students participated the first year. The following year, she said, the group was told that flyers could not be distributed directly to students and that information had to go through the district’s Parent Portal.

Thompson said Wallkill schools later participated, while Valley Central students largely did not.

This year’s event drew one Valley Central student, Thompson said, adding that the student learned about the event through the Josephine-Louise Public Library.

Thompson asked the board to investigate what she described as roadblocks from the district’s central office and to support the spelling bee in the future.
“I would just ask ... perhaps the school board can look into this,” Thompson said. “Perhaps with support from the Board of Education, we have a better turnout.”

Parent raises special-education concerns

Phil Hopkins also addressed the board, saying he and his wife had spent years advocating for educational services for their son.

Hopkins alleged that the district mishandled the use of a 504 plan and delayed providing an individualized education program. He said his family ultimately hired an advocate and filed for an impartial hearing before the district changed its position.

The U.S. Department of Education defines Section 504 as a federal civil rights law prohibits disability discrimination and ensures students with disabilities have equal access to public education.

He also raised concerns about the district’s handling of evaluations, IEP services and requests for records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Freedom of Information Law.

Hopkins said documents obtained through a FOIL request showed approximately $39,000 in legal expenses through July. He questioned why the district had spent that amount in legal costs while disputing approximately $15,000 in compensatory educational services for his son.

“Taxpayer money is being spent on legal fees instead of providing the supports and services that should be helping him succeed,” Hopkins said.

He called on the board to review how the matter was handled and make changes so other families do not face similar difficulties.

“Our children deserve better, our taxpayers deserve better, and the district must do better,” Hopkins said.