Sussex-Wantage parents want new superintendent
SUSSEX BOROUGH — Parents presented a petition signed by more than 580 people urging the Sussex-Wantage School Board to not renew Superintendent Jeanne Apryasz's contract on Wednesday, June 17. Her contract expires June 30, 2016.
The meeting lasted until almost midnight, with a 3 hour, 10 minute Executive Session.
Robin Seipel, Stacey Miller, and Clint Woolery presented signed petition asking that Apryasz's contract not be renewed. Seipel read a statement alleging parents, teachers, taxpayers, and students have suffered under Apryasz's supervision. Also, the petition accuses her administration of cronyism and nepotism.
“This petition is ongoing; and we are not done," Woolery said. "It's not going to go away.”
Former Board Member Tammy Pastore countered that there have been many positive changes in the district, and reminded everyone of the “tremendous presentation” earlier in the meeting by seventh-grade Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math students.
Paul Demott asked Attorney Yaacov Brisman if Board of Education members with family employed by the district would be disqualified from voting on Apryasz's contract.
Brisman said all public comments are to be directed to only the board president. Brisman said he represents the board, not members of the public.
Retiring teacher Ken Karnas, who had been recognized for 42 years of service earlier in the meeting, admonished everyone to resolve their grievances with respect.
After Executive SessionTracey Crum also called for Apryasz's contract to not be renewed.
"At least 600 people in this very small community feel that the decisions that are made are not in their interests," Troy Leonard said.
He asked the board to freeze hiring and firing until personnel that represents the interest of the community be put in place.
Board of Education President Thomas Card said he cannot vote on hiring or firing the Superintendent. He must remain neutral.
Amber Simons pointed out that two other board members had family employed by the district. She said that if Apryasz allowed their family members “this opportunity to work for the district, then obviously you are going to go along with anything she wants.”
Both School Board Member Bob Maikis and Walter Krynicky said they have teens working for the district.
As of June 23, Krynicky's family members resigned from their positions and Maikis' family member was not approved because the appointment did not receive five positive votes.
Board members Robert Heiden and Kenneth Nuss voted against the measure, and Maikis abstained. Board Member William Bolella was absent.