The Chronicle - Helen Anne Livingston leaves superintendent’s job

Chester — Helen Anne Livingston, the superintendent of the Chester school district, has left her job.

According to a source who works at the school, Livingston announced her departure at two faculty meetings on Tuesday, the first at the Chester Academy and the second at Chester Elementary School. She cleaned out her office and is no longer working for the district, the source said on Wednesday.

When making her announcement, Livingston read from a statement, saying that she and the school board had come to a mutual agreement to part ways, the source said. There is a legal separation agreement between Livingston and the school board, according to the source. The reason for the split is unknown.

School board president Wendy Murray declined to comment for this story. The school board next meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Chester Academy.

Livingston’s attorney, Mike Lambert, could not be contacted by press time.

The news surprised Mary Luciana, who was school board president when Livingston was hired in August 2006 and closely watches developments at the school. She later became one of Livingston’s critics.

“It’s not easy to get rid of a superintendent,” Luciana told The Chronicle Wednesday. “This is not something I’ve ever seen before. There’s been no discussion, no innuendo. For it to happen that fast, I don’t understand it. I don’t know if something came up.”

Livingston’s time at Chester was her first as a superintendent. She came to Chester from a school district upstate, where she was a principal.

She served out her first three-year contract. In April, the school board offered her another three-year contract at an annual salary of $139,050.

In May, two Livingston supporters on the board were voted out.

“In most cases when a superintendent leaves in the middle of a contract, there is some type of payout,” Luciana said. “I can’t imagine this wasn’t the case here.”

Livingston ran into trouble recently. The Town of Chester Police arrested her on June 9, charging her with second-degree harassment. She is alleged to have followed a student’s father, Leonard Marino, out of the Chester Academy building and into the parking lot, screaming at him, pointing her finger in his face, and attempting to stop him from getting into his car. Her next court date is set for Nov. 10.

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seriously wrote on Nov 1, 2009 1:32 PM:

" Did you have to hand out flyers on Halloween to residents. And you all have the nerve to condemn bloggers. I am sick of the negativity of this community. Get over it, wipe the slate clean and start again.
The hatred you spew on your flyers is just as bad as the rest of them! "

inside tidbit wrote on Oct 30, 2009 11:21 AM:

" Erin Brennan writes the checks, and he doesn't know who he's writing them for, and how much,,call him and ask him who gets what, and he'll reply,"I don't know.", that was this past summer. "

Wel said wrote on Oct 30, 2009 10:58 AM:

" "No self-respecting administrator will come into such a hostile atmosphere without some pretty good guarantees.

And none of that includes the price that Chester pays in other ways by allowing so few with such a narrow agenda to hold such power". "

Facts to fund balance wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:42 AM:

" NICELY SAID. "

fund balance wrote on Oct 30, 2009 9:37 AM:

" lets look at why there is a fund balance...one, revenues understated and expenses overstated...two,something extraordinary could happen thats not forseen at budget time...three...you have no clue as to how to do budgets...or four....a combination of the three...either way...the excess fund balance should be used to lower the taxes, why you may ask,,,because the unexpended balances were from OVER TAXING us residents.. "

huh wrote on Oct 30, 2009 7:57 AM:

" so it was all about money in the end? "

Facts wrote on Oct 30, 2009 7:15 AM:

" Board appropriated a portion of the unreserved fund balance to fund
the ensuing years budget in each of these years it wasnt used.
Fiscal Year
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Unappropriated, unreserved fund balance $552,371 $733,527 $1,014,432

Statutory limita $364,538 $393,970 $625,367

Excess fund balance $187,833 $339,557 $389,065
a For the fi scal years ending 2005-06 and 2006-07, the statutory limit was equal to 2 percent of the budget,
whereas for the 2007-08 fi scal year, the limit was equal to 3 percent of the budget. "

Researching the Facts wrote on Oct 30, 2009 7:04 AM:

" We didn't fail an audit for 2007/2008. There are some things that need to be corrected. The Business Official takes orders from the Superintendent and Board of Education.

Go to NYS Comptroller's Office. Access Local Government and Click on Chester's Audit......
Below is called EXCESS UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE. Money we should not have paid in taxes.

We found that the District retained $389,065 of fund
balance in excess of the amount allowed by law in the 2007-08 fi scal year budget. By not appropriating
more year-end fund balance to reduce the property tax levy, District offi cials have retained more fund
balance than the law allows, and did not use excess funds for purposes that benefi t taxpayers, such as
paying one-time expenditures, funding necessary reserves, reducing debt and/or reducing the tax levy,
in accordance with applicable statutory requirements. "

let me clear something up.. wrote on Oct 30, 2009 12:43 AM:

" first off i cant see how you can fail an audit for having excess funds..are you telling me that all the school districts have numerous bank accounts in different banks...no they dont..also many banks paid into the federal goverment plan which covered all non interest bearing accounts..which means that all balances were covered no mattter how much was there...bet you didnt know that either...i would think that the school failed the audit for other reasons...and i would argue if it was over the fdic issue "

Missing wrote on Oct 29, 2009 8:47 PM:

" What happened to next week's paper? "

banker wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:57 PM:

" TO Solutions:

Being the business official means that he is in charge to some extent of where these funds should be allocated. Last I checked you do not need your CPA to open up different bank accounts. "

solutions wrote on Oct 29, 2009 5:02 PM:

" erin brennan is just the bsusiness offficial not the c.p.a. again no one takes responsibility.maybe he could get a job with the bruderhofs. hal can now get herself an interim supt. position no reason to pay her out some fool will hire her. "

Banker wrote on Oct 29, 2009 1:31 PM:

" Mr. Brennan,

How can we fail an audit by having 900k over the exceeded FDIC limit. There are at least 4 banks in Chester. If you went to each one and kept the alloted 250k in each you would have never had this problem. In this day in age with over 100 banks failing, how could this oversite have happened? Please do not tell me this was at a place like Key Bank, while they were bleeding money and still hover around $5 a share!! I find that very irresponsible. "

theres a laugh wrote on Oct 29, 2009 11:16 AM:

" Greenwood Lake students? And where would they be put? "

Hey wrote on Oct 29, 2009 10:57 AM:

" Maybe the the interim superintendent will re-visit bringing the Greenwood Lake students over and charging tuition - that'll cover some of the legal fees :-O "

what she said... wrote on Oct 29, 2009 9:56 AM:

" Its good we have the money but... wrote

Amen to what you said, time to close that book and open another...! "

Its good we have the money but... wrote on Oct 29, 2009 8:19 AM:

" OK so we have some rainy day funds... I would rather see them being put toward education than buyouts and lawsuits. That being said it is time to move on people. What's done is done. Mr. Hilburgh is a competent superintendent and let him do his job. Hopefully his replacement will be someone of equal status and all of this terrible mess will be gone. "

blood on the board wrote on Oct 29, 2009 7:59 AM:

" How appropriate for the season.. A little blood on the board may be festive... Of course judging by the last two meetings it is surprising that there wasn't some blood spilled on the board.

According to an audit, Chester has the money for this debacle in a rainy day fund and boy is it pouring!

Audit cites Chester schools errors
The school district kept too much in its rainy-day fund and kept more in the bank than could be insured, according to a state comptroller's audit.

The district kept $389,065 more than allowed by law in the fund balance for 2007-08. The district also kept $906,401 in deposits that exceeded the FDIC's protection limit, the audit said.

The district also failed to have adequate security to protect its information technology. Such mistakes are relatively minor.

John Sullivan

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091029/COMM/910290308/-1/NEWS "

Children are not goats wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:48 PM:

" I never use the word kid when referring to children or students. I was taught a long time ago time that kid in the dictinary refers to a young goat. It is just something that stuck in my head and I hate when that word is used when referring to children.. "

Pasichnyk and Sambets wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:42 PM:

" Anyone elected to the Chester BOE has the right to vote unless it is conflicting with a personal matter.So no reason for anyone in last night's vote to recuse themselves.Pasichnyk has a strange way of deduction it's okay to tenure illegally and nothing is said about breaking the rules. Sambets and Pasichnyk should have recused themselves from the vote as they spoke to THR reporter about Chester BOE business prior to the meeting that is breaking the rules of confidentiality.Sambets and Pasichnyk should use some common sense and not their own agendas what ever they maybe.Both should resign and follow their so called consciences if they feel they can't be effective then get new blood on the Chester BOE. "

Nothing wrong with calling students kids wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:26 PM:

" Oh please. The school board is spending $700 a day for an interim superintendent and God knows how much in buy-out money to Livingston - all without any input from the taxpayers who have to pay the bill - and you're worried about the small amount of money that he's asking for to fund a program for kids - yes kids. Don't think there is anything derogatory about that word. I use it all the time. Last time I checked lots of parents, teachers, and other good people used it too. "

Move Money Around wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:12 PM:

" I was in the audience at tonight's meeting and what I found funny was when Jackson presented his new program and the Board asked where the money would come from and he said he would move money around. I found that a bit funny. I guess he has experience at this. If you listen carefully to Jackson speak he is not a good speaker, he referred to the students as kids, not students. Mr. Jackson these children are your students and our kids! This is a poor choice of words from a principal they are the schools students. "

Just my Opinion wrote on Oct 28, 2009 10:04 PM:

" Voting is a privilege that we as citizens have. Let us look at elections on a larger level also. We all may not like the ultimate winner and it may not have been our candidate, but the people spoke. Let's not forget that. I feel that this board was elected by the people and we have to believe that for reasons we are not privy to they made the best choice for the district. As far as the public knowing the reasons put yourselves in those shoes. If this were you, would you like your personal business aired in public. I may not agree however I have to think of it that way. As far as a certain member voting that is WRONG u cannot pick and chose what u vote on. U shouldn't even be on the BOE. "

Money Down The Drain wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:35 PM:

" Livingston had submitted 10 students as graduatating for June 2008 instead of many more. Livingston denies responsibility and did not do anything to correct the the incorrect statistics that the New York State Dept. of Education uses for the New York State Dept. of Education Report Card that is used as a statistical average for our students academic achievements.This is no small matter.It was just one of many blunders, mishaps and downright falsehoods to excuse her ineptitude and lack of managerial leadership. The list goes on and on.Livingston did not submit the necessary paperwork on time to receive the state aid for the summer school bus service in 2008.Livingston claimed 45 days unpaid time days and there was no real proof to discount this claim.Accountability was non existant and Livingston emailed questionable materials on school computers on school time it warranted an outside investigation that cost the taxpayers thousands.The cost of attorneys fact checking almost everything Livngston did because of her lack of experience was becoming overburdensome to the school district.In essence this solution is well worth the cost unfortunately the last BOE was not holding Livingston accountable maybe due to their own-
deficiencies. "

sidetracked wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:21 PM:

" Everyone has gotten sidetracked on the real problem here. Was this the best decision for the school board to make at this time? So many of us are struggling in the current economy and this decision has now cost us at least double the current salary of the superintendent and in the long run far more when attorney's fees are added in not to mention the pending lawsuits. Was she really that bad? Could they have tried to work it out and settle their personal differences? Were all options exhausted? Or did they push this through as fast as they could? If so, why? As someone stated last night at the meeting... what did she do that was so bad...murder someone? Those of you who support Ms. Murray remember when you were unhappy with the decisions of the school board. Is Ms. Murray really trying to serve the best interests of the many or the few? These are questions we must all ask of ourselves no matter what side we are on. "

Think About It wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:20 PM:

" Mrs. Murray and the Chester BOE accepted the resignation of Ms. Livingston. It was the best thing for the Chester School District. If it weren't for Mrs. Murray the ban would still be on the Chronicle. "

yuck wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:03 PM:

" What is there to get to know,,she isn't a pleasant person,,, "

Proud Supporter of Murray wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:56 PM:

" It takes a lot of pssion to do what you do, Mrs. Murray, and I applaud you for that. Thank you for your hard work and KEEP IT UP! By the way, all the Murray supporters in the comments below - where were you last night? She was put in a terrible position and really could have used all the support. "

to chester parent wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:55 PM:

" Then you obviously didn't take the time to get to know her. "

Chester Parent wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:38 PM:

" It must have taken The Chronicle days to find this picture! I am active in the community and have had meetings (2) with Ms. Livingston, yet I never saw her smile like this. In fact, the only expression I ever saw on her face was that of misery. I'm glad she's gone...... "

well wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:03 PM:

" Open communications has some good points but as for your point number 4 you are a little bit wrong. You are not allowed to repeat rumors but if you wish to ask about it's validity feel free. "

Open Communication my foot wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:50 PM:

" Let's start with how open this board really is;
1. They weren't open about Latassa and his lawsuit before the elections.
2. They too out the first public participation on last nights board meeting which allows people to discuss what is on the agenda before the vote.
3. They had secret meeting among themselves, which the lawyer said should have been open, before the voted on the issue.
4. When you go to a board meeting you are restricted about what you can discuss. No you can't talk about any rumors you may have heard as a tax payer regarding any issue that might concern you, your children or your taxes.
I could go on but I think I made my point. Murray is way in abve her head. Latassa has no integrity and Dawn is just a figment of Murray's strings. "

Makes You Wonder Play Nice In Thge Playground Even If It Doesnt Have Your Name On It wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:40 PM:

" What is it that hurts someone in the blogs so much that they need to comment about Mrs. Luciana. Mrs. Luciana is a private citizen and I am sure holds no grudges toward anyone as a mature and conscientious person of high claiber and character.opinions are allowed to be expressed last time I checked the ban was lifted against Free Speech in the Chester School District. "

Wailing Wall wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:36 PM:

" The writing is on what wall the wailing wall of HAL's. "

StopLyingMary wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:32 PM:

" Isn't it funny that Mary should comment on how surprised she is hearing the news especially when she put on her facebook page..."ding dong the witch is dead?" What a hypocrite...I hope Wendy keeps following your direction. Who is next? I bet Leslie gets the sups job. The writing is on the wall. "

to what all the fuss about. wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:18 PM:

" you must have rocks in your head but if you think school districts are going to be banging the door down then good riddance and good luck. "

Go Away little girl wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:08 PM:

" Livingston has resigned enough already. "

to whats all the fuss wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:47 PM:

" Oh God! wow you made me almost p-e-e my pants with that blog,,I need a tissue,,UNBLEMISHED? yeah 139,000 a year along with the team of lawyers she hired on your dime..you're an idiotic moronic fool,,do you play on the same team? LOL!! "

A different point of view wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:29 PM:

" In my opinion, the board has been moving in a new direction. In a short period of time, they have managed to open communications with our local paper, parents and community. They restored public participation which was removed by the former board, are willing to answer questions at board meeting or get back to the public with the information, and have made every effort to keep people abrest of what's going on in the school. A far cry from the last board's policies when Pasichnyk was President. This situation with Livingston has legal ramifications, and the board is abiding by the law. It appears that Livingston decided to leave which in my opinion was irresponsible. "

to reply wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:25 PM:

" Hey I think you got it... Amen.. You see the point then... as was said...
"Just because you happen to agree what is going on with the current board and Ms. Livingston doesn't mean everyone else who has blogged here is wrong. It is a difference of opinion. "

It is the degree to which some people disagree that cause the trouble... Nobody is wrong here problem is nobody is right either...Well almost nobody is wrong there is one person... "

reply from he said she said wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:59 PM:

" Boy you both really misunderstood my intent. I want to move forward not backward simply said. I think alot of this ridiculous discussion could have been averted had there been some honesty here. Maybe the board ought to hire a PR person or something. I know the Board and Ms. Livingston cannot legally discuss the release contract. And as far as questioning every move every motive ... I'd like to thank all the people on both sides of the issue that do. It's the only way to move forward. Just because you happen to agree what is going on with the current board and Ms. Livingston doesn't mean everyone else who has blogged here is wrong. It is a difference of opinion. "

DUH wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:55 PM:

" To the person who wants the board go in a new direction...DUH!!!! "

he said she said wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:52 PM:

" ...it is people like the ones on this blog that cause the problems, they question every move, every decision as if someone was trying to pull one over on you... It is a difference of opinion not some kind of scam... When people question how and why money is spent it sounds like they are looking out for the dollar and sense of it all..There are no spooks here, it's all in the open you just don't watch. You can't come into the movie at the end and expect to know how you got to the climax... "

enough of he said she said wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:47 PM:

" Well the only way your going to see an end to the nonsense is when you can put an end to the ridiculous accusations. Livingston wasn't doing her job and she got called on it... She got her contract renewed with raises and other changes that never should have happened. There is no behind the doors dealings, there are no secret society's trying to destroy anyone. How many people on this board would want to discuss their resignation in public be it given or asked for? There is a right to privacy and confidentiality for personal issue whether you like it or not. Do you think the present board could just ask for someone to resign if they had no good reason, I mean really some of you people should get a grip. It is misinformed people that cause much of the turmoil in this school. Want to know what is going on, show up at some meetings and listen. Want to be a person of control, a rule maker and/or breaker then put your name on the ballot. Wendy Murray is not offensive she is defensive.... "

What all the fuss about wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:45 PM:

" Livingston has an unblemished and uncontroversial record at the CSD. Not to mention her dedication to the children and education. I am sure her phone must be ringing off the hook with offers and will be re-empolyed before the end the week. I also agree with the other bloggers that the board will never be able to replace her for $139,000, so it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone when the new superintendent will be making alot more money. "

to it is a plan wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:09 PM:

" I would actually like to see this board take it in a different direction altogether. I've had enough of going down the road of school boards past, enough of he said-she said, enough of business as usual and the political nonsense. I would like Ms. Murray to actually lead this school board in a positive and effective manner going forward. Right now, I do not have the confidence that this is going to happen. "

it is over - you may be wrong wrote on Oct 28, 2009 1:02 PM:

" To my understanding from information from people who regularly attend board meetings, she is automatically implicated in the lawsuit because of her position as Superintendent at the time. I don't know all the technical legal issues but needless to say this is all about far more than Mr. LaTassa voting on her removal. It is about his ability to be objective in matters concerning taxpayer money when he has something to gain from it all. "

It is a plan wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM:

" To voting...ok latassa quits then we bring back donato and go back to the old board with no public comments, no open budgets meetings, no chronicle, no answers at board meeetings it sounds like a plan to me and yes put pasichynk back into his rightful position as president. "

IT IS OVER wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:35 PM:

" ALL OF YOU GO BACK AND READ THE CHRONICLE ARTICLE REGARDING THE LAWSUITS FOR STRIP SEACHING STUDENTS BY THREE PARENTS IT LISTED THE BOE JACKSON AND BOTH POLICE DEPARTMENTS...NO MENTION OF LIVINGSTON. WHEN LATASSA RAN FOR THE BOARD IT WAS ALL OVER THE BLOGS ABOUT IT HIS LAWSUIT. THE MAN STILL WON THE ELECTION. THIS BOARD HAS BEEN IN POWER FOR THREE MONTHS DO ACTUALLY THINK THAT THEY HAD ENOUGH ON LIVINGSTON TO GET HER FIRED? wE MAY NEVER KNOW WHAT ACTUALLY TRANSPIRED,BUT IF BOTH PARTIES MADE A PUBLIC STATEMENT THAT IT WAS MUTUAL WHO ARE WE TOJUDGE. IF YOU ARE STILL CURIOUS AS TO WHY CALL LIVINGSTON AND ASK HER. "

Voting record wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM:

" So if Mr. LaTassa finally does the right thing - does the 3-2 vote against Livingston still stand? Or would it revert to a 2-2 stalemate....interesting question. I think if the shoe were on the other foot and he was against Murray ... she would already have dismissed him on the very grounds that many of us seem to be saying here. You cannot vote in good conscience about taxpayers money and school district policy when you are involved in a lawsuit that names the very school district you claim to work for. "

YANKEEFAN wrote on Oct 28, 2009 12:13 PM:

" There is no basis to his lawsuit, that was proven. Along with the two others. There was no strip search, that was brought out in a report, remember reading about it in this very paper. What more do you people need?? He should not be voting for anything peroid. He should have been truthful to the voters in Chester, he wasn't. What does this tell you????? "

For people with integrity wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:50 AM:

" I think some of you don't understand the meaning of integrity. Integrity as a concept has to do with perceived consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations and outcome. (directly from Wikipedia) How can Mr. LaTassa have voting power in the very school district that he is suing? How is this consistent with his actions, values, methods, etc...of wanting on the one hand to spend our taxpayers money wisely and on the other hand to win taxpayer money from a lawsuit. It doesn't matter if he is justified in the lawsuit or not. What matters is that there is a clear conflict of interest here and he apparently has no integrity. "

To all of you naysayers wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:50 AM:

" All of these people keep asking for the dope on what took place during executive sessions, we need to be able to make our own informed decisions they say. Well the actions of an unprepared an inexperienced superintendent should be enough for you people to be able to make an informed decision. As fpr all of the hoopala last night.. Most of the roar was from the faculty.. She may have won the hearts of the teachers but she certainly didn't win them with the students and their parents....As for LaTassa, dude I supported you... You let me down...You should have recused from the vote. You said that you would if it had anything to do with your lawsuit. You sir bring controversy to the table and you should consider one of two things.. Drop the suit or leave the board so they can have integrity. Good job to Wendy, you have it right. Some people can hear you.... "

hey just wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:37 AM:

" they guy has a lawsuit against the school...you want someone to be voting on taxpayer money when this guy is looking for a payday...or worse..he loses the case but the school has to spend the legal fees, either way the taxpayer, the people who voted for him, are left holding the bag...I tell you what, if there was scenario whereas if Latassa lost his case, he would have to pay for both legal teams, he would drop the case in a heart beat....but taking the lawsuit, he has nothing to lose... "

Just because wrote on Oct 28, 2009 11:26 AM:

" Why should Latassa give up on a lawsuit that is justified for something that happened while under the hands of the old BOE,Livingston, and Jackson,the school is still accountable whether or not Latassa is on the board, Period. That's absurd. "

to the last post wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:48 AM:

" i also read the THR article, and maybe Pasichnyk is right..maybe latassa should come clean with the lawsuit...and why on this green earth should we have a board memeber filing a lawsuit against the school, voting on school issues..The THR also noted that Latassa never mentioned the lawsuit will running..why is that...hmmmm....Latassa should either drop the lawsuit or resign from the board... "

to Hold your head up high wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:41 AM:

" You were obviously not at the board meeting last night and have no right to comment on what happened if you weren't there. It was not about bashing the board it was about the board's choice to keep this matter from the public. The board's attorney admitted that they could have chosen to have an open forum. They did not. Look they may have done the right thing - but no one will ever know because of the choices they have made to go behind our backs. Don't even get me started on LaTassa - he lied to the public about his intentions and to the best of my knowledge none of the other four board members have done that. I don't care if he is technically within the legal limits of conflict of interest ... if he had any integrity he would resign. "

Wendy Murray - HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH - YOU AND THE REST OF THE BOARD ARE DOING A GREAT JOB wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:26 AM:

" Sound like the public did get the opportunity to speak at last night's meeting. According to THR, they did get the privilidge of bashing the board. It also sounds like Mrs. Murray and Mr. LaTassa took the brunt of the badgering. However, I don't think that "errors in judgement" and the rest speak for the people of Chester. We appreciate Murray's integrity, and respect her for not breaking the law by disclosing the agreement.

According to the Times Herald Record, I see that Pasichnyk was again grandstanding at a public forum. I think that that man needs to realize that Mr. Latassa is a welcome change on the board. His presence assures us parents that our children are safe. I never remember reading about people attending a board meeting to protest the public being banned by from budget meetings by Mr. Pasichnyk and Mr. Sambets or reading about the mob scene at a board meeting when a little girl was banned from writing for the chronicle. However, it does appear that those who attended last night's meeting could care less about kids and more about bashing our board President. "

to errors in judgment wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:30 AM:

" Well now I believe you are on the board or are talking to a board member because you have already divulged intimate knowledge of what has happened. All I am asking, and I think I speak for the public at large, is that we are given the opportunity to make our own informed decisions here. And how can we do that when the current board is making decisions behind closed doors and without the public's knowledge? How is that two of their own did not know of these precedings against Ms Livingston when the precedings commenced? My issue with the board has less to do about Ms. Livingston and more to do with their conduct in handling the whole thing. I expect better from these people... I expect them to act with honesty and integrity and I am just not seeing it. "

Errors In Judgement wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:20 AM:

" Livingston resigned.Livingston's unprofessional behavior at the assemblies she gave to announce her resignation were another example of her out of control sense of importance. Administrative positions especially the first administrative position a Supt. has is a learning experience and not a sure fire pension maker.Livingston was out of her comfort zone from day one.It is sad but inevitable that her resignation came in the beginning of the school year but that again was another example pof livingston's inability to plan or strategize an exit that would have been beneficial to both herself and the Chester School District. Information regarding her resignation is not for the larger audience and as well it should not beas Livingston is shielded by confidentiality as all employees should be in a professional setting. Livngston's very traumatic over reaction to her own resignation made it evident she was under a lot of stress and no longer was up to the position.Hopefully Livingston regroups and moves forward with an understanding and professional attitude that you lose some and you win some in the game of life.As far as those who bash the Chester BOE their not allowed to discuss openly Livingston's resignation and that it according/to/the/law. "

Livingston Errors in Judgement wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:09 AM:

" Livingston banned the Chronicle and a student for writing for the Chronicle because of her own agenda. Livingston sent her niece and nephew to the Town of Chester Parks and Recreation even though they lived in another part of the state.It was summer time she could have used her own time to care for her family members. The Dept. of Recreation then after that advertised they would take children from outside the town.Livingston pitted employees against one another. Livingston made a fool of herself not allowing the students Honor Roll to be submitted for publication in the Chronicle for nearly a year because of her own selfish motives.Livingston allowed Jackson to strip search Middle School students and then denied it. Livingston was incapabale of discerning the truth from fiction.Livingston refused to comply with New York State Dept. of Education mandates.Livingston was insensitive to parents concerns of safety and refused to be held accountable for anything that put her in a negative light. it was ignored or passed the buck like the case of the Bruderhofs coming to the school with an agenda.Livingston had no real administrative experience and it was quite evident in her lack of providing the needed leadership/to/advance/education. "

to Livingstons Errors wrote on Oct 28, 2009 8:04 AM:

" It would appear you have some inside information here...are you a board member? If in fact all you say is true...then this should have been made public at an earlier time and there should have been a public forum for people to digest this information prior to letting Ms. Livingston go. On the other hand, I have heard just as many facts and figures on her behalf. We as a community need to understand the truth of why she was let go so that we can move forward and not make these mistakes again. The current board is losing the public's trust for their deceit and dishonesty in this matter. "

Livingstons Errors in Judgement wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:55 AM:

" Livingston under her tenure had an increase in the drop out rate, an increase in school taxes, didn't bother to correct the data submitted to the New York State Dept of Education for the 10 students documented for June 2008 instead of the correct number.Did not offer an alternative graduation date for the children who received their diplomas after June 2008.Did not submit re imbursement forms for last 2008 school bus service to summer school where busloads of our children were failing as many as 4 subjects.Education standards were lowered and statistically that can be proven.Livingston could not be counted on to attend functions she handed out jobs to build support same with tenuring teachers and inexperienced administrators that did not fulfill the 3 year probationary period, Morganstein, Walsh and Jackson.Last years outside financial audit was questionable and recommendations were made by the New York State Comptroller's Office and still again lack of oversight was found again this year.Livingston refused to evaluate teachers performance or required supervision. Livngston emailed questionable materials to staff and BOE members with crude references to female genitalia on school time on schoiol computers, it demanded an outside investigation that cost the taxpayers a pretty sum. "

to sore losers wrote on Oct 28, 2009 7:41 AM:

" Thou dost protest too much. You are the sore loser here. Had Murray and her accomplices simply given the public the respect and courtesy they deserve in speaking their minds... either for or against Ms. Livingston...last night would never have happened. But they chose the low road and now are getting what they deserve. I fear they have done irreparable damage to this community in acting so cowardly and in secret. What is their motive here? Their own agenda or the public that they are supposed to be representing. "

sore losers wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:19 AM:

" livingston's reputation as a leader was quiite clear when she was acting supt.in ontego-undilla school district where she had been the elementary pricncipal for sometime. did she get tenure there?THE BOE CAST 7 VOTES TO 0 AGAINST LIVINGSTON BEING HIRED AS THE SUPT.EVEN HER FORMER EMPLOYERS FELT SHE WAS INDADQUEATE AND UNABLE TO BE THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ONTEGO-UNADILLA SCHOOL DISTRICT.WENDY MURRAY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR DECISION.SO THIS BLAMING WENDY MURRAY AND SAYING GET RID OF LATASSA TELLS ME THEY MUST BE DOING A GOOD JOB.AT THIS TIME THE SCHOOL AUDITORS,JOHN TRAINOR AGAIN FOUND THERE WERE NO CHECKS AND BALANCES IN EFFECT.THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS.SOUNDS LIKE THIS WAS A NICE WAY OF SAYING MONEY WAS MISMANAGED AND SINCE LIVINGSTON SIGNED THE CHECKS AND BRENNAN WAS THE PEUPPET.APPARENTLY THERE IS MORE TO THIS STORY THAN WE WILL KNOW.BUT AT LEAST MS MURRRAY DIDN'T COME OUT WITH A RINGING ENDORSEMENT AS PAM KAVANAUGH DID AND SHE DIDN'T HOLD ANY CERTIFICATIONS WITH THE NYS DEPT. OF ED. AS A MSW OR PYSCHOLOGIST.SO THAT IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN SINCE LIVINGSTON KNEW KAVANAUGH DIDN'T HAVE THE CREDENTIALS BUT SHE WAS COLLECTING A PAYCHECK/AND/SEEING/STUDENTS/AS/A/PYSCHOLOGIST/ "

YANKEEFAN wrote on Oct 28, 2009 5:40 AM:

" I believe it was Mrs. Murray smle is referring to. I watched her squirm last night. Can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. Pat yourselves on the back on a good job Wendy and company. $700 a day, wow that's $14,000 a month. Plus paying the buyout, a search for replacement and be real people it'll cost more then the 139,000 we were paying. Can't imagine what the tax increase in our school taxes will be next year. State Aide has been cut, Ms. Livingston did a great job keeping them low while she was here.

Thank you voters of Chester - good job!!!! "

To smile and the whole world smiles with you wrote on Oct 27, 2009 10:58 PM:

" Are you referring to John Pasichnyk? "

iMPEACH W Murray wrote on Oct 27, 2009 9:38 PM:

" murray is the ringleader!!! "

Ban Together wrote on Oct 27, 2009 9:20 PM:

" What happended to being open to the public? Only when you agree with Murray, How come her friends didn't get up and support her?????? First thing we have to do is GET LATASSE OUT!!!!! "

IMPEACH W Murray wrote on Oct 27, 2009 9:14 PM:

" Ban together, impeach Wendy Murray, before Chester once again becomes a simple farm town, instead of a proud institution of learning and progress!

If you do nothing, you have no one to blame...

Remember, "those who fail to learn history's lessons are doomed to repeat them!" "

Hypocrites wrote on Oct 27, 2009 8:58 PM:

" What a bunch of hypocrites! Even though the board adopted a new policy to have public comment on the agenda, Wendy Murray threw it out the window because she couldn't stomach what the public had to say. They just disregarded their own policy in order to railroad through the firing of our superintendent. Though elected by the public, they only care what a few evil minded people have to say. What a disgrace. What an example to set for your children. "

Das Aint Funny wrote on Oct 27, 2009 8:53 PM:

" Heil Wendy! Das little furor has spoken und don't care what das public has to say! Yah, didn't even want to hear what ve think! Dispicable! "

embarrassed wrote on Oct 27, 2009 8:45 PM:

" Anyone who does not understand the politics of a school should just shut up. Ms. Livingston has been a tremendously positive influence in the Chester schools and those who are trying to ruin her reputation are vindictive and quite frankly, ignorant flunkies of the newest and most uneducated board members. Scaraping up dead animals off the raod does not qualify one to judge others. Once you all have educational degrees, perhaps then you may have the credibility to judge another. This community needs to wake up and realize that the private and self-serving issues of a few are dictating the present course of action. Livingston is a scapegoat. Wait and see how many more excellent teachers and staff leave Chester...the children are the losers and the board should resign. "

to one more time... wrote on Oct 27, 2009 8:10 PM:

" murray and two new board members are trying to raise the standing....in what town is that happening in..correct me, but doesnt latassa have a lawsuit pending with the school district...thats raising the bar...ok...i get it... "

Rumors ruining Chester wrote on Oct 27, 2009 6:36 PM:

" Keep blogging and bad mouthing Chester, you should get some great candidates for Superintendent. (Whoops, that's right we just want to find one that is Wendy Murray's puppet.) "

Give teachers a raise wrote on Oct 27, 2009 6:31 PM:

" Hmmm, lets see how many CEO/CFO's which run multimillion dollar business only make a paltry $139,000... Most make millions. Teacher compensation is a joke, they have are children's future at hand.. Keep listening to Obama and everyone will make $30,000 a year. Oh yeah just wait till the inflation from the 1.5 trillion dollar bailout hits!! "

IMPEACH W Murray wrote on Oct 27, 2009 6:28 PM:

" The Salem witch trails have begun in chester! McCarthyism Rules!!!
Way to ruin a district with rising test scores... In the coming days we will see W Murray's hypocrisy !! "

to one more time wrote on Oct 27, 2009 4:38 PM:

" Ok let's try this again, this is not about Luciana (but we do blame her for everythng) but the lies and double standards of Livingston, Sambets, Pascinyck & the old crew. The point is and was, the animosity is from their end, not Murray's, and it has been ongoing and obviously not ending. What does matter is our children's education which has hardly been discussed in the last three years. Murray & the 2 new board members are trying to raise the bar and make education the number 1 concern instead of the nepotism and favoritism that has gone on here for the past three years.
Frank you are the biggest disappointment, before being elected you were a kind, concerned member of our community but then you aligned yourself with your neighbor John and your common sense seemed to go out the window. Please watch and listen carefully and do what is right. Talk to Wendy, hear the truth, make your own decisions. "

one more time... wrote on Oct 27, 2009 3:43 PM:

" hey last post, who cares what luciana does or think...obviously not the majority or she would not have been defeated so soundly...ms luciana did her time and thats it..you make it sound like she matters..maybe to you but not with the rest of us voters "

We need people who care and not just want to be board members so they have a title wrote on Oct 27, 2009 1:34 PM:

" We read it was a mutual separation, but two board members are screaming blame Murray. More double talk from Pasichnyk & his sidekick Sambets, who yelled at Luciana & Murray for speaking to the lawyer & the newspapers without permission,the same two who are now being quoted themselves. Murray has no animosity but she was and is concerned about this district. The real animosity started four years ago between Berger, Donato,Pasinyck against Luciana and then Murray. Donato was seen standing on the tables at the bowling alley chanting let's get rid of Mary. The 3 J's disliked HAL when she first came but changed as soon as they saw Luciana start to dislike her. Joan was even a receipent of the famous HAL emails that were investigated that she never told anyone she got.
John once again is not staying informed, like his 1st board meeting where he screamed he was duped when he voted to discontinue the then principal. He needs to start being responsible and stop balming others. Pacinyck & Murray are both up for re-election in May, this is just the first of many ploys by John & friends to defeat Wendy. Wendy hold you head high,you'rehereforthekids "

answering To perspective board member wrote on Oct 27, 2009 12:21 PM:

" What one reads as sarcastic others read as enthusiastic. It is my opinion Mrs Murray wrote as a parent during election time. It's curious why you didn't include Mrs Burger,only Mrs Donato. Mrs Murray thought voting for the ban in the chronicle and at the same time putting their bios in the chronicle was hypocritical. Stand by your beliefs was her motto.
What Mr Paschynk did was entirely different. There was a mutual agreement between the school board and the superintendent. Yet ex-president Pasichynk blabs to a THR that there is animosity between Mrs. Murray & Miss Livingston and when she became president the animosity stepped up. It appears that Paschynk made himself readily available to speak to the THR. Why is he being so critical of the board president AT THIS TIME? Why is
the THR writing for 3 days about our school district?
I don't think Murray is a high and mighty person but she is leading the district in the right direction. Education is her first priority and open communication with the community is high on the list. "

elvie wrote on Oct 27, 2009 12:18 PM:

" the dingoes ate my supt.livingston and yet she is a great sport.look at her smiley face!!!that is a face only a mother could love and fran the man who now is the big time physhical director.so let's all get physical,physical,i would fran to have a ladiemanz in better physical shape.let's call interpol and scotland yard and look for the remains of the day of my dingoes
bitten former chester school supt helen anne livinsgton.why can't we be fools and hire puzzy footin
burnsside since he believes that eggie brian p.egan who will forever be famous on the website 'bad, bad teacher'.com. "

to past connections wrote on Oct 27, 2009 11:34 AM:

" Is that you Hal? "

past connections wrote on Oct 27, 2009 10:23 AM:

" Francis shut up teachers deserve every penny they earn! It is hard teaching children that get away with everything and need to be raised too...because their parents are tools "

past connections wrote on Oct 27, 2009 10:20 AM:

" going to make it out in the real world. Maybe the top 4% actually has a chance. The rest will be happy flipping burgers and living on their parent s couch. Good luck Chester! You have quite a few years of fixing you children's lives ahead of you. "

past connections wrote on Oct 27, 2009 10:18 AM:

" Now it is time to get rid of Jackson
I'm sorry but he is an idiot with good PR plans.
You need a principal that will promote education not sky diving and the military. It is not the responsibility of a school to promote a child to go into the armed serves. No one in Chester is good enough to be promoted to HAL's job. Hyatt is more of a politician than a principal as it is and the senior teachers have no idea of what is going on outside of the Chester walls. Chester really needs to realize that the board is not made up of educators and leave the educating up to the professionals. The district is so be my friend crazy that education takes the back burner. Focus on the kids for once and not your personal agendas Chester. This is why some colleges don't even look at a student from Chester. You can get a 4.0 in Chester just by keeping out of trouble and kissing the right persons butt. Tell your kids to stop crying and do work for once. This new generation is never... "

francis wrote on Oct 27, 2009 9:51 AM:

" The setting of government school administrator & teacher salaries in New York is now a purely political exercise. Salaries are no longer strictly a product of skills and job difficulty, nor regulated by free market forces. Private sector New York teachers earn far less than public sector teachers. Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Classification System, New York teachers earn far more per hour than those with similar jobs and even more per hour than math & computer scientists, economists and physicians! (For up to date statistics, see the BLS National Compensation Survey).
The political nature of salaries plus New York bargaining rules that favor educators means voters have an obligation to become informed about the salaries and benefits paid to educators. Until now, it has been impossible to accurately and easily know how much educators earn, especially in relation to others. With the Lifetime Earnings Calculator you can quickly know the truth about administrator and teacher salaries. The model also estimates personal retirement savings and state and federal income taxes.

Total Compensation = salary + "add-ons" + benefits + pension

source teacher salaries in ny glenville-scotia s.d,ny "

Go away wrote on Oct 26, 2009 8:53 PM:

" Pasichnyk is a horses's rear for his very biased remarks against Mrs. Murray. But he's real brave when he has his puppet Frank Sambets and his hand up his back teaching Frank how to chime in when needed two clowns for the price of one.The puppeteer Pasichnyk and his puppet Sambets are fine examples of two wanna be girls.Surprised they didn't get a little swooning time for the Master of Ceremonies the Middle School gotcha guy. "

Peter Paul and Mary Jane wrote on Oct 26, 2009 8:27 PM:

" Chill John Pasichynk sit down and have a puff with little Puff the Magic Dragon. "

What a shame wrote on Oct 26, 2009 7:40 PM:

" Is this a smear campaign against another board president? Is this the same John Pasichnyk who banned the public from budget meetings, locked the doors with the police present, banned the Chronicle, denied the outside auditor's report, violated the open meetings law, etc., etc.

Can it be that Sambets is Pasichnyk's new campaign manager? The same Frank Sambets who said pubicly that the parents were out of control over their concerns about the Bruderhoff assembly?

It's evident that Wendy Murray and our newly elected board members are working at trying to turn this district around. It's unbelievable that Murray could have any animosity toward anyone especially a superintendent of schools. "

To Perspective Board Member wrote on Oct 26, 2009 7:01 PM:

" Whoa--- MRs. Murray has a VERY sarcastic tone in her voice if you disagree with her and she has shown it towards Ms. Livingston amoung others in public. As for being respectful as a board member, she wrote an editorial against Mrs. Dunato during election time you should not speak publicly against another board member, so you reap what you sow Mrs. Murray. She is not the high and mighty person you think she is. "

Sour Grapes wrote on Oct 26, 2009 5:50 PM:

" Just read the record what a bunch of malarkey. I find it interesting that Former Board President Pascihynk would say Mrs. Murray had animosty towards Ms. Livingston. IS THIS JUST A CASE OF SOUR GRAPES ON MR. PASCIHYNK'S PART? Oh yeah Livingston was the great educator then why did it take Mrs. Murray over a year to get the extra curricular policy passed. Before this policy was passed students were allowed to fail up to four subjects and still be able to participate in sports it was Mrs. Murray sheer persistence for this policy that got it passed. Murray is an educator and has a stellar record in voting not for the popular vote but voting for what is in the best interest of the students and the district. THIS WOMEN STOOD ALONE WITH THE PREVIOUS BOARD. SHE IS DEDICATED, FAIR-MINDED INDICRIMINATE AND A LEADER NOT A FOLLOWER. "

History Repeats Itself wrote on Oct 26, 2009 4:12 PM:

" How dare Sambets and Pasichnyk state something so patently false that Mrs. Murray had any animosity toward Supt. Livingston. This mind set of not allowing anyone to disagree with Livingston. Many of the concerns of parents were not addressed andd Mrs. Murray was always in favor of listening . Livingston was ill mannered and uncivil. Livingston threw temper tantrums and balled up her fists like a prize fighter when she was angry.Livingston's dismissive and discourteous behavior was exhibited time and time again publicly.It was outrageous and insulting to the taxpaying residents.Gone and good riddance.Don't forget in her old school district not one vote was given to her when she tried to get the Supt. position not one vote out of seven. That should have been a tip off for the old Chester BOE. Livingston had problems there as well. Discipline problems ensued because of her laxity and inconsistent rules and grades did not go up and the drop out rate increased and so did spending.So Sambets and Pasichnyk are still betting on dead horse in a race that never started.Eucation was never Livingston's goal.Livingston was out of the loop and cost plenty in lawyer's fees for her decisions. "

dear perspective.. wrote on Oct 26, 2009 3:30 PM:

" I concur. Wendy Murray dared to question the doings of the superintendent so they makes her have animosity? Ridiculous... Paschnyk has done stupid stuff like this before, if he doesn't want to be a part of the team maybe he should just leave instead of always trying to stir up trouble.... "

perspective board member wrote on Oct 26, 2009 3:23 PM:

" According to the chronicle and their source, Miss Livingston and the Board of Education had a mutual
agreement to part ways.
The Superintendent had an assembly last Tuesday and announced it at both schools. Tomorrow night there will be a formal announcement according to Sambets. Mrs Murray has been saying no comment to all the newspapers. Why is past president Paschnyk suddenly critizing President Murray to a THR reporter before 10/27. Why is he saying there's always been animosity between Murray and Livingston and when she became President it has stepped up.Was he talking about executive sessions? Mrs. Murray has disagreed with Livingston at times but was always respectful to Livingston. Before she became President and before the election she was at times by herself when voting. She was always respectful of the role of a school board member. I thought a school board acts as one. Is the role of a school board to be a support group of a superintendent? It appears to be a damage control issue behind the scenes before tomorrow night.Was Mrs. Murray the latest target when she is really the victim? "

employee 002768 wrote on Oct 26, 2009 3:00 PM:

" 4. CONSENT AGENDA BUSINESS/ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION

4.1 Approve personnel agreement with employee #002768 (10-27-09 C1)

So is this Livingston's number? Is she the item of discussion at the special meeting on Tuesday the 27th? "

heres a question wrote on Oct 26, 2009 2:59 PM:

" since the last few years the supt has been blamed for everything...who is next to be blamed for the marino's of the world...until parents start acting like parents, and not there kids friends/age...then and only then will this school district turn around... when i graduated hs i didnt even know who the supt was when i graduated..but i could tell you, who the problem kids where and who were the crazy parents..so for marino and her ilk...take a look in the mirror and stop blaming everyone "

outsider wrote on Oct 25, 2009 5:32 PM:

" Insider They have made no comments at all to the papers. It is very, very hard to fire a superintnendent. Perhaps Livingston has a personal matter that needs her attention right now and she cannot fullfill her duties as superintendent. "

insider wrote on Oct 25, 2009 3:55 PM:

" There wasn't anything mutual about it. That's just what they are telling the papers. LIVINGSTON WAS FIRED. "

Let There Be Peace wrote on Oct 25, 2009 1:37 PM:

" to gates of heaven
I assume you have arrived at the gates of heaven and want to share your thoughts with the people on earth.
With all your preaching you forgot to capitalize the
word God twice. So much for truth in your world.
Did you speak to St Peter yet? "

gates of Heaven wrote on Oct 24, 2009 10:38 PM:

" Speak the truth and nothing but the truth so help you god. Words to live by!!
Do unto others as you wish the do unto you

We say these things for a reason and that is to remind people who so sadly forgot what we are to stand for as people, as members of a community, as teachers, as mothers, as father, as friends, and most importantly as human being that answer to a higher power.
People who speak ill of the superintendent are very sad individuals who need help we should pitty them as god does "

Everyone is indano wrote on Oct 24, 2009 9:07 PM:

" The special meetings were announced and posted on the school's website! Pay attention! "

indano wrote on Oct 24, 2009 8:48 PM:

" The board held a meeting on 10/12 and again on 10/19. "

injin joe wrote on Oct 24, 2009 6:20 PM:

" dear thumbs up I was in court that night on another matter but even if I did know the parent and was there on her behalf I should not have to look at two officals of the town of chester acting like high school kids even if they believe the sentence was just "

To a fresh new start wrote on Oct 24, 2009 6:17 PM:

" To wondering...you mention the sneaky agenda of Donato and Berger. Why did you leave out Pascihynk and Sambets? If I remember correctly the only one that didn't vote for these illegal tenures was Wendy Murray. If the previous board didn't give Livingston a new contract we wouldn't be the position we are now in.

To more corruption...you know what they say about small town politics!! We will all see how agressive the DA is when Livingston has her day in court. Now you worry about money. Where were you at budget time even though your thoughts would never have been heard with budget meetings closed to the public. The past board cut nothing and continued on its wild spending spree under the guidance of Livingston. yes there are countless wonderful people working in the school district maybe now they will be able to do their jobs.

To injin joe...your account of the two police officers says it all. "

A Parent wrote on Oct 24, 2009 5:50 PM:

" To Thumbs up: You don't speak for most people in Chester. As a matter of fact, anyone I know thinks that what happened to that parent was a travesty. "

Hey - Only repeatting what you heard wrote on Oct 24, 2009 5:33 PM:

" If it was such a secret, why was there a NOTICE at the high school? You talk out of both ends of your mouth. "

Thumbs up to the judge wrote on Oct 24, 2009 5:07 PM:

" dear injin - guess you are pretty close to this parent if you were in the courtroom? Just because you thought you saw the police officers make a thumbs up gesture doesn't mean they are corrupt. Maybe they just feel the same as most people do in Chester - they agree wholeheartedly with the decision of the jurors who found her guilt and the judge's sentence!!!! "

di wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:46 PM:

" livingston didn't bother to submit the re imbursement money for 2008 summer school bus service.she didn't even get the right stats for the 2008 June graduation rate it was stated only 10 graduatated and she never bothered to submit a correction it didn't matter enough to her. that's the way it is with livingston. "

injin joe wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:41 PM:

" At the town court where the concerned parent was sentenced for the crime of speaking to Helen Livingston about her son ,I observed two Town of Chester police officers signal each other with thumbs up signs and begin texting other people when sentence was read. I think this is a disgrace there is a reason why they are here and not making the top money on a real police dept. "

More corruption theories wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:39 PM:

" From what "Wondering" says you would think half of the town was involved in your alleged "corruption" scam. Get real. Do you really think the Chester Police Dept, an elected judge, and the assistant District Attorney for Orange County - not to mention countless good people who work in the school district - are all corrupt? You're also wrong about the money. The news this week in the REcord is our governor is looking to cut money for our school districts state aid to help balance the state budget. Looks like Chester - which is slated to lose over $500,000 this year - will need its reserve money now more than ever. "

hey wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:32 PM:

" maybe it's an emergency meeting? or heresay just like most of the filtered garbage from livingston's cronies. "

Only repeating what I heard wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:26 PM:

" to you get: I don't have any inside information. Heard there was a notice at the high school. honestly don't know any more information. just know what I heard from several people who were upset the school board is holding a special meeting on Tuesday and didn't properly inform chester taxpayers. "

wondering wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:22 PM:

" No one can say for sure the reasons for the mutual parting. But change was definetly needed and it is not an issue of any amount of money to make sure our children are safe.Money is there in many different accounts we have surplus and if need be it will be used for a corrective and proactive move by the Chester BOE to raise the standards of district that has been stteped in dismal failure.The old BOE cost this community plenty with the sneaky agenda by Donato and Berger tenuring Jackson, Morganstein and Walsh before their probationary periods. Why the tenures to protect them legally if tenured they get legal protection from you guess right the Chester taxpayers.We are responsible to pay for their attorneys for anything they do wrong. So if you want to slam the new Chester BOE management go right ahead the majority of residents and parents are quite pleased with this decision.Livingsaton's corruption spread like wild fire to many employees, the Town of Chester Police Dept. and even apparently the Orange County District Attorney's Office and Judge Haislip who gave Mrs. Marino a year 's probation. Let's see how Livingston's is handled ib Judge Haislip'scourt11/10/2009. "

You get what you pay for wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:15 PM:

" It sounds like you know there's a meeting on Tuesday, and you know exactly what's on the agenda? I wonder who is privy to that information before it becomes public? Is it the board clerk? We most certainly need a new superintendent with experience, hired from the outside, with no ties to the community, who will demand accountablity, get rid of favoritism and waste, and clean house. "

Chester Native wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:09 PM:

" I think it is very strange that after a year and a half of court regarding the concerned parent incident.livingston is removed the very day the parent is sentenced "

What happening in secret meetings wrote on Oct 24, 2009 3:28 PM:

" Soupy Sales made a good point: The cost of hiring a new superintendent will cost chester dearly. And, as Mary Luciano said in the article THERE MUST BE A PAYOUT. Probably AT LEAST a year salary, if not more. Think about what the school board is doing to your taxes. NEXT YEAR'S TAXES WILL SHOOT THROUGH THE ROOF TO PAY FOR AN INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT per diem pay - probably OVER $500/DAY, and the cost of a search to replace the Supt - not to mention SOMEONE NEW WHO WILL MAKE THE SAME OR PROBABLY MORE THAN LIVINGSTON. Rumor is the new school board members have set an UNSCHEDULED MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT- night before the regular meeting. To all of those who voted in the new BOE members: Where is their openess to the community? Why hasn't this meeting been advertised to the community? Why is there only one chance for public comment - and that's after they vote on a "personal matter" and a "new contract." (Sounds like they are trying to sweep what ever they did under the rug before Wed. meeting. "

francis wrote on Oct 24, 2009 11:13 AM:

" Search resultsBad Bad Teacher
The BadBadTeacher.com notation appearing on graphics on this site is a WATERMARK ... Ex-teachers plead no contest to trying to seduce teen girl (10/02/09) ...
badbadteacher.com - 58k - Cached
Protecting Bad Teachers - TeachersUnionExposed.com
Protecting Bad Teachers. Dues & Don'ts. Union Profiles. State Union Info. Help Us ... But these laws actually help bad teachers keep their jobs. ...
www.teachersunionexposed.com/protecting.cfm
Search results for The Office Makers Are Bad Teachers ...
... it takes years to get rid of bad teachers, we continue to ... www.cre8ng.com/ideas-office.shtml. Don Dodge on The Next Big Thing: Fire bad students and bad ...
ireland.com/The/Office/Makers/Are/Bad/Teachers/extsearch.ie - 52k - Cached
Bad system protects Bad teachers | Democrats.com
Another example of the "system" working to keep bad teachers employed. ... I know all about bad teachers. I've dealt with a few. ...
www.democrats.com/node/655 - Cached
source ;YAHOO "

francis wrote on Oct 24, 2009 11:08 AM:

" The Rubber Room"
According to the Daily News, at any given time in New York City an average of 700 teachers are being paid not to teach (they instead report to rubber rooms) while the district goes through the hoops (imposed by the union contract and by law) needed to pursue discipline or termination. A city teacher in New York that ends up being fired will have spent an average of 19 months in the disciplinary process. The Daily News reported that New York City school district spends more than $65 million annually paying teachers accused of wrongdoing, in addition to the cost of hiring substitutes.
SOURCE FROM UNION TEACHERS AND TENURE
REGARDING HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO GET RID OF A BAD TEACHER.TEACHERS SHOULD BE GIVEN TESTS TO SEE IF THEY CAN TEACH SUBJECT MATTER,MANAGING THE CLASSROOM,THE IMPORTANCE OF GRADES AND HOMEWORK.THE BOES AND PARENTS NEED TO BE PROACTIVE IN HIRING TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.NOW WE HAVE A SCHOOL DISTRICT FILLED WITH 'LIVINGSTON'S MIND SET OF TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF'.THEY NEED TO GO BEC.IF SHE WAS THE ONE WHO HIRED THEM.WE KNOW THERE'S GOING TO BE TROUBLE DOWN THE LINE.JUST LOOK AT MIDDLE SCHOOL ERNEST JACKSON AND HIS BLUNDERS. "

francis wrote on Oct 24, 2009 10:53 AM:

" please bloggers go to the website BAD BAD TEACHERS.COM this website has brian p.egan on it,now its states these teachers and others are'allegedy innocent until proven guilty'but go to the website and you will see that burnside and livingston need to be added to the list of administrators that allow irregularities on school property.such as ernest jackson using the chester school district middle school for his own personal empire kids wrestling club that was also linked to his private paypal accounts and websites that solicited monies that were never accounted for.
also livingston and burnside should be on this website bec.they refused to protect the children placed in their care.burnside and livingston are/were more involved in protecting questionable activities by staff than doing their jobs.this website 'BAD BAD TEACHERS.COM has the states and #of sex offenders and their pictures.the boes of all the hudson county school districts should be looking on this website to thoroughly check that no pedophiles get jobs in ny from other states.this would be a start and while chester boe has been good at throwing money around.next supt.run the person by with the fbi and check the above website for any priors in another state. "

Timothy A Miller wrote on Oct 24, 2009 9:30 AM:

" I think that a qualified person to fill the vacating superintendents position can be found right in the school.. no need to look just promote that person and remember that prior to the new school there was only "one" principal and we can and should go back to that! This could be a cost saving benefit for us, the taxpayers. If we eliminate one of the unnecessary positions the cost will negate the severance agreement with leaving superintendent and after that agreement has been fulfilled the added funds can help to keep the tax rates down. Maybe even have a zero increase for once. It is a thought. There is a person in the school that has experience and caring qualities and has been with the school for a long time, maybe the search should be within....? "

hello wrote on Oct 24, 2009 9:25 AM:

" To the chronicle;
Thnak you kindly for erasing "69" statements. "

Tim Simpson wrote on Oct 24, 2009 6:32 AM:

" While I respect many of the Chester residents, it truly astonishes me how naive many of the residents are and how they were just oblivious to the actions of the former superintendent. When it comes to treating others the way you want to be treated, maybe if she prescribed to that philosophy she would still be around. Nevermind the vendetta she personally waged against my family, and countless others, but the fact is she was just not qualified to do the job either through her skill set or her ability to deal with the public. She led a corrupt administration and was fueled by the former board members. "Gates" before you defend her, remember this was a woman who checked fax machines because someone sent an honor roll list to The Chronicle and still has a pending court date. She brought this upon herself. Just remember "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." She just couldn't handle it. Hopefully now the focus can be placed on the students and I wish luck to all those that perservered and kept fighting. "

OMG wrote on Oct 24, 2009 6:07 AM:

" Well said Gares of Heaven - I have been saying that for a very long time now. Not just about Ms. Livingston but everyone that these bloggers have blogged about. It's very sad! Many have not set good examples to the youth of Chester. It won't change, it will continue, now that Ms. Livingston is gone they wil find someone new to go after! I hope they are proud of themselves, same to the voters of Chester. I'd like to thank these two groups for this, this will cost all of us in the pocketbook. And mine is already hurting. "

rukidding wrote on Oct 24, 2009 12:24 AM:

" daa agentt69.

Get a life!... "

Get off the soap box Gates of Heaven wrote on Oct 23, 2009 6:32 PM:

" What exactly was done to the superintendent? Sounds like a mutual agreement to me. "

Gates of Heaven wrote on Oct 23, 2009 5:49 PM:

" To all that caused pain, shame on you, children are to be taught that we are to treat others the way we want to be treated...what was done to the superintendent was wrong in more ways than can ever be imagined. Shame on you, adults should know better. One was caused pain that will last a life time. I question your humanity and so will god! "

hello wrote on Oct 23, 2009 5:14 PM:

" Dear 69. If you are not serious, please stop blogging. It is very hard to figure out what you are saying. Stop with the comic comentary and just say what you mean. "

hello wrote on Oct 23, 2009 4:11 PM:

" Do you really think this would not happen unless there was something here that was substantial. Use your brains people. Something had to go on and the public will never really know the truth. The board can not discuss personnel and the rest of us are just speculating. I am sure the stories will magnify and change. I just wish I knew the truth. "

A great town wrote on Oct 23, 2009 2:56 PM:

" The witch hunt and false accusations have been flying since she left says soupy sales. Just what are the false accusations? It would be cheaper to let livingston work out her contract so says soupy sales. But she and the board had a mutual agreement to part ways according to the chronicle. She resigned. It has
nothing to do with cheaper to work out a contract unless you know more than you are saying. Dont be so
quick to blame "concerned parents". This town is not destroyed omg. We didnt have a hurricane or a tornado. There are people who want to destroy peoples' reputations by nasty rumors or making false accusations. But they survive only as long as people believe what they say. Chester is a wonderful town and I am glad to be living here. "

idiot wrote on Oct 23, 2009 1:49 PM:

" you are a plain IDIOT dumb and dumber all rolled into one... "

OMG wrote on Oct 23, 2009 12:58 PM:

" I agree with Soupy Sales - time for this group to cease, they have destroyed this town. To try and find anyone that would even consider a job here is going to be hard. If they don't like you, can't manipulate that person they will find away to make their life miserable. We had a great school district at onetime, not so much anymore. The people that have been targets and things that have been said is very sad! And yes this will cost us dearly don't be fooled one bit. "

you knoz who A sitty nine wrote on Oct 23, 2009 12:31 PM:

" dear go away: i gots a 1 waz tikket ta da LA jungle fer ya!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!! HATER. sez hi's to L.S. hoooooooooooo

peace ya'll "

Oh yeah wrote on Oct 23, 2009 12:21 PM:

" Well it looks like Livingston's supporters are out in full force,especially the ones that blame Mary for everything. Oh yeah, it was Mary that searched the fax machines at school, wouldn't let a student swim, wouldn't let another student write for the Chronicle, wouldn't open budget meetings to the public,eliminated public participation at board meetings,eliminated the business teacher, swept under the rug sexual harassment investigations, had a parents arrested, was arrested herself for harassment, gave premature tenure to 3 administrators,etc, etc. Oh yeah Mary has been very bad over the past three years. Let it rest already evidently the superintendent and the Board reached some kind of agreement that the general public may never know what the reason was for her untimely departure. Lets all move forward and put the past in the past where it belongs. "

Soupy Sales wrote on Oct 23, 2009 10:58 AM:

" I didn't mention the added cost of actually hiring a new Superintendent. This will cost dearly, if a qualified individual were in their right mind to actually accept the position! The reputation of this district and its "concerned parents" has caused irreparable damage. If the activities of this group of people doesn't cease, the next Superintendent will surely find themselves in the same position as Livingston. "

Soupy Sales wrote on Oct 23, 2009 10:38 AM:

" Oh, Please...Like Luciana doesn't know what happened. I find it ironic that Luciana became the focus of the article. This know all suddenly clams up!! The Chronicle turned to her because she started all of this. Her and her cronies that are still reeling in her loosing her board seat. "Oh what a tangle web we weave..." The critisism of the Board, the Administration, The Superintendent. The witch hunts and false accusations started flying when she left. Well, I hope every one of her supporters are happy. This will cost taxpayers even more money! She was correct in that there will be a payout. (Of course she knows this!) Probably AT LEAST a year salary, if not more. And the interim superintendent's per diem pay, probably over $500.00 per day, and the cost of a search to replace the Supt. It would have been cheaper to let Livingston work out her contract! (Don't forget the big settlement due concerned parent and new board member, Mr. Latassa for his frivolous $10 mil. lawsuit) All this damage done by a vengeful group of "concerned parents" "

one question wrote on Oct 23, 2009 9:00 AM:

" obvioulsy the supt and this paper had there issues..by why would the paper quote ms. luciana, who cares what she thinks...she ran for relection and got whipped..no one cares about what luciana thinks.. "

Leslie wrote on Oct 23, 2009 6:59 AM:

" For everyone who has been spewing hate on these message boards for the last couple of years, just be thankful she is gone, and move on. Hopefully your lives can be a little less stressful now.
Please don't complain about the cost of releasing her from her contract. You wanted her gone, she is. "

go away wrote on Oct 23, 2009 6:45 AM:

" Well if she is leaving maybe she can take that fool agentt69 with her.. the price would be worth it! 69 you give blogging a bad name, why don't you just shut the hell up you dam fool! "

Get yer boots on wrote on Oct 22, 2009 7:37 PM:

" What a load of crap. Mary has been pulling the strings on Wendy since she was elected, and has been behind this travesty since the beginning. She has all the inside information and knows exactly why and how much. The truth will come out. "

To Adios wrote on Oct 22, 2009 7:07 PM:

" And who pays for the insurance????DUHHHHHH "

Adios HAL wrote on Oct 22, 2009 6:04 PM:

" That's why the school has insurance.......Remember, ignorance is expensive. "

YankeeFan wrote on Oct 22, 2009 5:57 PM:

" Get the check books ready folks this won't be cheap! "

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