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Editorial The Massapequa School Board's decision to suspend Superintendent Dr. Maureen Flaherty without pay last week was both a shock and concern for the community. Prior to this, there was no evident friction between the administrator who was hired two years ago, and the Board of Education. The question in everyone's mind then is "what happened." For its part the Board has declined to discuss the matter in public except to say that the Superintendent is not being charged with theft, child abuse or sexual misconduct, the unholy trinity. Why then enter into this costly and contentious procedure to force her out when she has only a year left on her contract? Sources have said that Flaherty was offered a buyout from the district, one that she refused. Others have said there is an underlying animosity between Flaherty and her administrative staff that spilled over into the board of Education. The Board took sides and, fueled by the devastating blow of School Board President Arlene Martin's loss for reelection, acted before her replacement, Tim Taylor can be seated next month. Still others suggest that Flaherty has in some way violated her contract. With two homes, one in New Jersey, could she have moved from Long Island? Whatever the reason or reasons, a few things are clear. Flaherty has worked to bring hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to Massapequa's schools; she's fostered a partnership with Westfield Mall for scholarships for Massapequa's students and she's managed to elevate students' academic scores.
Whatever faults or failures she has committed, had better be significant because this community will not stand for personal or political actions taken at their expense and the expense of their children's educations. No secret deals should be made to resolve this matter and keep it out of the public purview, and the Board should take heed that everyone is watching and waiting.
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