Pagano Named Principal of BHS

Two school principals were appointed at a special meeting tonight of the Board of Education.

Russell Pagano, who was serving as acting principal since Joseph Petrillo abruptly retired a few months ago, is a former vice-principal at the school. His term takes effect tomorrow, Aug. 2.

Joseph Vespignani takes over at School 9 for the outgoing Nanette Rotonda, who was named principal of School 5 several weeks ago. Rotonda replaced Gabriel Nazziola, a longtime teacher in the district who served just one year as principal but was not reinstated, a decision that sparked controversy. Nazziola said in a public hearing several weeks ago that he was forced out because he defied instructions to make politically motivated decisions.

Also tonight:

• Business administrator Ed Appleton said that the recent spate of retirements among district personnel would not necessarily lead to significant additional revenue for the district. Some had assumed that veteran staff earning near the top of the salary grade will be replaced by newer teachers who will earn less. Appleton said that while this is true, the outgoing teachers are often paid for accrued sick time, cutting into any savings that might be realized as a result of their departures from the district.
• Resident Ralph Vellon urged the board to reconsider a decision to let a number of school librarians go, asking that a recent half-million dollar bump in state aid be used to retain those staffers. “Why are we downsizing when we’re getting more money?” Vellon asked.
• Vellon also asked the board to circulate paperwork, like attachments, referred to in board meeting agendas among the public. Vellon said that without such paperwork the public has little idea of what actions the board is taking. Appleton countered that attachments had never been included among documents circulated among the public at board meetings “in 20 years.”
• Resident Vincent Frantantoni criticized a report prepared by a planner showing the School 1 site, a former school building on Cortlandt Street that until recently had been used by school bus drivers. The board has offered the site to the township, which has indicated it may be declared an area on need of redevelopment, decisions which Frantanoni has opposed. Frantantoni -- who wants the building to remain in public hands -- said that at least some of the alleged flaws in the building are actually minor, including a “hole in the roof” that is actually an uncovered hatch. Frantantoni also accused the board and prior boards of negligence for failing to make simple repairs to the building for the past several years, although Appleton later took issue with Frantatoni’s claim that windows at the building have been left open. Some of the windows have been sealed with Plexiglas from the inside, Appleton said. The deed for the property has yet to be transferred to the township, school officials confirmed, although the township council has passed a resolution stating it will accept the property.
• Board member Vincent Strumulo moved to reinstate a school counselor but the motion died when it was not seconded by another board member.