[slideshow_deploy id=’899′]
To the editor:
Halcyon times for Tenafly Public Schools are temporarily on hold given the maelstrom caused by turnover in the superintendent’s chair, a “tight” 2018-2019 operating budget translating to a $2 million deficit to right the ship back on course and the advent of the current Tenafly Board of Education and Tenafly Education Association collective bargaining agreement expiring on June 30, 2018, with negotiations fast approaching.
Given this perfect storm: [Feb. 12] the Tenafly Board of Education, voting 7-2, approved a resolution to award a $10,000 stipend to a central office administrative position already receiving a salary in excess of $170,000 for a 10.5-month position. This position is not in the classroom trenches, student facing.
This resolution, “…recommended…” by the acting superintendent was neither required by state law, board policy/regulation or Tenafly Administrators and Supervisors Association collective bargaining agreement.
It’s a resolution that is tone deaf, color (green) blind and fiscally irresponsible. A resolution that is an affront to all constituenciess, save but one, of this local, publicly funded school district.
This resolution, in effect, was a classic and all-too-frequent attempt at taking and holding psychological and emotional hostages of district leadership and board.
It’s a resolution representing a naked grab for the dough. A resolution illustrating how the short squeeze works. A resolution, whispered throughout school hallways, classrooms, staff lounges and around each water cooler of how to game the system.
I could only cast one “no” vote but, if permitted, would have cast 10,001 votes against this resolution.
Go Tigers!
(I was elected and currently serve a third full term as a nonpartisan volunteer unpaid trustee to the Tenafly Board of Education. I authored and submit this letter to the editor as a private citizen expressing my personal opinion. My letter does not intend to represent or express the opinion, official policy or position of any other natural person, government entity political party or group.)
Sam A. Bruno
Tenafly