While Nyack Schools' may have been the initial highlight of Tuesday evening's board meeting, it was a personnel issue that roused the audience—the resignation of principal Joe Spero.
The resignation is effective June 30; Spero is set to be replaced by current principal Nicole Saieva on July 1.
Board members could not comment on details of the change, much to the chagrin of about three-dozen residents in attendance.
"We are not allowed to discuss personnel issues," said school board president Claudette Jimmerson.
"This is a difficult part of the job," added board member Michael Mark. "There are things you wish you could [speak about]."
Several parents voiced concern about the resignation.
"I don't know where we went wrong—how we can let a man who has given as much as Joe Spero has leave here?" said Dan Gottfried, a 35-year Nyack resident whose youngest son is currently a senior at the high school. "I'm in shock."
"I think that it's a real loss to our district," echoed Emily Feiner, another Nyacker and high school parent.
Gottfried and half-a-dozen others took turns walking to the microphone and urging the board not to accept Spero's resignation. Later in the evening, the board accepted the resignation unanimously.
Spero was instrumental in pushing for at the high school, a policy that would extend class time and mean fewer courses each day; the policy is expected to be voted on by the school board this month.
"I want to wish Joe Spero the very best in his endeavors," said James Montesano, Nyack Schools' superintendent.
School board member Leanne Irvin said while she could not comment publicly on the details, she carefully read emails sent by the community in support of Spero.
"Your voice has been heard; your comments have been noted," she said.
Rudy Arietta, the high school's assistant principal, has also resigned.
Montesano suggested the school board begin searching for a new Middle School principal and assistant principal for the high school.
In March, long-time school board member Michael Lagana announced he will not be running for re-election this cycle.
Tuesday night's school board meeting also workshopped the proposed 2012-2013 budget, which aims to stay under the state's tax cap and .
