Board approves multiple personnel and position changes, tables acting superintendent contract after contentious public comment

The Newburgh Board of Education on June 10 approved a package of human-resources and operational resolutions, including a $5,000 increase to an investigator's contract and changes to the effective date for newly created positions, while tabling a proposed contract for the acting superintendent amid sustained public protest.

Board action came after a lengthy public-comment period in which teachers, parents, students and community members urged the board to stop proposed abolishments, transfers and hires and raised concerns about vacancies, potential Taylor Law violations, and conflicts of interest.

Why it matters: The votes will immediately affect staffing and the district's administrative structure ahead of the 2025-26 school year and prompted repeated questions about budget authority, bargaining-unit work and legal risk.

What the board voted on (high level)

- Resolution 5.1 (investigator contract increase): Passed by roll call. Yes votes included DeRae, Stewart, Christine Bello, Thomasina Bello, Mackenzie Boucher and Victoria Boucher; No votes included Bergarelli, Howard and Politti. Board members said the additional $5,000 covered extra work the investigator performed.

- Resolution 5.2 (contract for acting superintendent): A motion to table the item carried by roll call (unanimous yes on the motion to table). The item was deferred rather than voted up or down.

- Added agenda item (amend effective dates for newly created positions to take effect June 11, 2025, rather than July…