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The Wyandanch School Board voted to suspend Superintendent Mary Jones with pay after the district became the only on Long Island to fail to pass its proposed budget twice, forcing it to operate on a contingency budget.
The reduced budget has forced the layoffs of dozens of faculty and other employees, with much of the blame reportedly falling on Jones’ shoulders. The vote reportedly came as the district seeks to go in a different direction.
Wyandanch’s financial issues have drawn the attention of state officials, who approved a bill that authorized the appointment of a special monitor for the district. That bill has not been signed into law by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
In a 4-2 vote, voters approved the suspension, though Jones will maintain her annual $230,000 salary. Veteran educator Gina Talbert has been named as the interim superintendent.
Classes in the Wyandanch School District are expected to begin on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Teachers return to work on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
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