Malverne board approves termination of a probationary employee; parents press for clarity on staffing and band practice

The Malverne Union Free School District Board of Education voted to terminate the employment of a probationary employee, effective June 30, 2026, after the chair read Resolution 3A and moved to approve it by voice vote.

The action, read into the record as personnel item 3A "upon the recommendation of the superintendent," named the employee in a confidential Schedule A; the chair said the termination is effective 06/30/2026 and the board approved the motion by voice vote. The board did not provide additional details in open session because the matter involves personnel and confidential information.

The decision came during a meeting that also drew public questions about staffing levels and extracurricular schedules. Parent Ayesha Demosthenes told the board she had been told in recent meetings that there would be no staff cuts but that parents had learned the band director’s hours and some band practice times were reduced. "We should be able to have a very clear picture, transparent picture of the future of our district," Demosthenes said, urging clearer communication.

Dr. Rhiannon, responding on behalf of district leadership, said reductions reflected adjustments to full-time-equivalent positions tied to lower enrollment rather than budget-driven layoffs of full-time staff. "There were some reductions in staff based on enrollment," she said, adding that summer band practice schedules "are still going to be the same" and that a reported cut to band practice hours was not accurate.

Demosthenes pressed the point that a renovation project at Downing — including a referenced wall — appeared to be funded while some staff hours were reduced. The chair replied that renovation work at Downing is funded from a different revenue source than the accounts used for staffing and instruction, and said the district would continue to explain funding distinctions to the public.

Resident Megan Freismeth asked what qualities the district seeks in new leadership at Downing following recent personnel changes. The chair declined to discuss personnel details in open session, citing the board’s obligation to keep certain personnel matters confidential, but said the district would continue its hiring process.

The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn; the chair thanked attendees in person and online and said the board would meet again in a couple of weeks.