Residents press board on trustee removal and new assistant superintendent’s credentials; board outlines steps and hiring process

During public participation, Mary Fokowitz asked what steps could be taken to remove a trustee who had failed in responsibilities or been negligent. The Chair replied that the usual route is to seek review by the New York State Comptroller and that a removal otherwise typically would require a lengthy, expensive legal process; the Chair noted trustees serve three‑year terms and removal generally occurs via elections. The Chair said a more detailed written answer would be posted online.

The board also introduced Robert Doyle as the district’s new assistant superintendent for business. Some members of the public had raised questions about Doyle’s FINRA posting, and the Chair acknowledged that a FINRA qualifications section in the version viewed appeared empty. The Chair and administration said Doyle’s experience extends beyond what appears in that posting, that the district followed an interview process and that new board members attended and could ask questions during interviews.

Board members invited anyone with continuing concerns to meet with administration or submit follow‑up questions; the Chair encouraged public questions to be asked at the podium or by email for transparency. "If you really want to meet and discuss it, I'd rather do it in this room in a group, not quietly alone behind closed doors," the Chair said.

No formal action on removal or on Doyle’s appointment was taken at the meeting beyond the introduction and explanation of the hiring process; the Chair said administration would provide additional clarifications in writing.