Possible school hire raises concerns among residents


WEBUTUCK — A personnel matter at the Board of Education’s March 12 meeting caused quite a stir with the roughly 20 people in attendance.

The night’s agenda contained an item that, if passed, would make employee Landon Johns the district’s head maintenance worker.

As soon as public comment began, members of the crowd had pointed queries about the matter.

"The position was created, correct? Is it absolutely needed?" asked Chip Barrett, Millerton resident.

"The board thinks it is," responded Bernadette Coniglio, board president.

At the board’s business meeting last month, the head maintenance worker position was created through a vote, board member Joe Herald said.

Tom Marshall, Webutuck Central School District social worker, also had concerns about the position.

"This position is causing quite a stir in the community, unfortunately because of the relationship," Marshall said, referring to the fact that Landon Johns is the son of Richard Johns, the district’s superintendent of schools. "Tonight, it’s something the board should really consider."

When it came time for the board to vote on the matter, board member Joe Herald said he would like to seek the advice of the district’s legal counsel before a decision was made.

"I want to make sure what we did is in accordance with the law and we recommend that we speak to our attorney, even though I think we’ve followed every legal step," he said, adding that placing a call to the district’s attorney would increase his "comfort level." "I’m having a real hard problem with it, so that’s what I’m suggesting."

"I agree with Joe. I have some reservations," added board member John Perotti.

"I really feel confident that we’ve followed all of the procedures," Coniglio said.

Johns said that conversation, which would take place over the phone, should occur in closed session.

In the end, the vote on Johns’ position was tabled until the board’s April business meeting.

From his office this past Tuesday, the superintendent said he spoke with the attorney, who said "all bases have been covered" and the creation and possible filling of the position is absolutely legal.

"Obviously, I wouldn’t let the board do something that’s illegal or unethical," Johns said, adding that he’s "taken himself out of the picture" during the whole process.

Furthermore, the superintendent said, the possible hire is not a conflict of interest or nepotism like some citizens have said.

"I don’t think so," he said. "It’s a small community. If you’re not going to take kin into your school, you’re limiting yourself."

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