Mineola board appoints Kathryn Fishman interim superintendent, discloses $511,752 settlement and accepts retirement

The Mineola Union Free School District Board of Education on Feb. 5 approved three personnel measures that the board said ensure administrative continuity while resolving a recently raised personnel matter. The board appointed Kathryn Fishman as interim superintendent effective Feb. 5, 2026, and approved an agreement and retirement associated with employee number 01665.

The board adopted Resolution 71 authorizing the president to execute "the agreement with employee number 01665 signed by such employee on 02/05/2026," and Resolution 72 accepting the employees irrevocable resignation for retirement effective 02/05/2026. Resolution 73 appointed Kathryn Fishman as interim superintendent "to ensure continuance," the board said.

Why it matters: the actions close a personnel chapter that had been the subject of public concern and set a temporary leadership arrangement while the board considers a longer-term superintendent search.

During public comment, residents pressed the board for transparency about the financial and contractual terms of the departure. Board-invited attorney Rich Zephyrman described the agreement to assembled residents and said the board had chosen to honor contract entitlements. Zephyrman told the meeting that the former superintendent submitted a retirement letter effective that evening and that the agreement provides payments that include salary through July and payments for accrued vacation and sick days, some of which are structured as tax-sheltered annuities.

Zephyrman disclosed the total payment and a rough breakdown: "The total amount of money is $511,752 and, I think, 11¢," he said, adding that roughly $181,576.78 represented salary through July (minus taxes), and other sums represent deferred annuities for accrued vacation and sick leave and a $7,500 contract payment. He also said the agreement includes mutual releases of claims and that the former superintendent has represented in writing that "all of the student data ... has been destroyed and cannot be retrieved." The board said the agreement includes exclusions that would permit the district to act if certain behaviors or breaches are later established.

Board and public questions focused on how the payout is funded and how the district will conduct the next superintendent search. The board said the money to cover the payment is available and that the board will not rush the replacement process; several public speakers urged use of a professional, external search firm and community involvement.

Whats next: the board indicated it will continue deliberations about the long-term superintendent recruitment process; meanwhile, Kathryn Fishman will serve as interim superintendent beginning Feb. 5, 2026.

Quotation: "This is to ensure, continuance. Ms. Fishman has proved herself," a board member said when the appointment was introduced.

(Resolutions at a glance: Resolution 70 passed to approve the consent/consensus agenda; Resolution 71 approved authorization to execute an agreement with employee #01665; Resolution 72 accepted the irrevocable resignation for retirement effective 02/05/2026; Resolution 73 appointed Kathryn Fishman as interim superintendent effective 02/05/2026.)