Bayonne Board of Education decides on layoffs, demotions, and interim superintendent

BAYONNE – In a meeting on January 25, the Bayonne Board of Education laid off 16 district employees and demoted six others amid a $2 million budget deficit facing the district. It also appointed Michael A. Wanko, PhD, as Interim Superintendent, effective July 1, to take over when Dr. Patricia McGeehan’s contract expires.
“Due to reasons of economy,” read Board Secretary Gary Maita before citing each name and position that would be either cut or transferred. Before he cast his vote to fire 14 secretaries and a teacher’s aide, Board President Joseph Broderick called the evening, “one of the toughest nights I’ve ever had being on this board.” After the board voted on each individual “transfer,” or demotion, Alan D’Angelo, President of the Bayonne Teachers Association, asked Business Administrator Leo Smith to follow up with a cost savings figure.
Laura Craig was transferred from her position of Director of Special Programs to Coordinator of Academy of Fine Arts and Academics, saving the district $71,461 annually.
Alaina Desjardin was transferred from her position of Director of Planning, Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Accountability to Data Analysis Coordinator, saving the district $68,311.
Lyndia Hayes was transferred from her position as Assistant Principal to Special Education Teacher at Horace Mann Community School, saving the district $27,002 annually.
Christopher Romano was transferred from his position as Assistant Principal to Social Studies Teacher at Midtown Community School, saving the district $61,914 annually.
Melissa Sisk was transferred from her position of Assistant Supervisor of Technology to Technology Facilitator, saving the district $23,275 annually.
Heather Zalis was transferred from her position as Assistant Principal to 5th Grade Teacher at Nicholas Oresko Community School, saving the district $63,014 annually.
“All these people that we’re talking about in my estimate are doing a terrific job, which makes it that much more difficult to make these positions,” said Broderick, adding that all decisions made during the meeting are of “a strictly financial matter.”
Apart from the 14 classroom aides and one librarian aide, the Board laid off the district’s risk manager, Chris Patella, in order to clear his $85,000 salary. There was much discussion about his value to the district, with some on the board arguing that he saves the district much more money than he makes by informing important financial decisions.
“Other districts in this county that are more well-funded than us do not have this position,” said Trustee Chris Munoz. “This position should fall under the role of the business administrator.”