MANVILLE: Parents press board for resignation details

By John Patten, Managing Editor
Complaints about handling of protests, teacher dominate meeting
   If new Board of Education President Heidi Alles hoped to enjoy a quiet evening in her first meeting Tuesday, after being sworn in as president following Andrew Zangara’s resignation from that post, her hopes were quickly dashed.
   After finishing the board’s agenda in about 20 minutes, Ms. Alles was confronted by an angry group of parents and students, still outraged by the Oct. 12 resignation of Manville High School art teacher Michael McAlick and the school’s response.
   Most of the parents, including Denise Polak, wanted an explanation for Mr. McAlick’s abrupt resignation.
   ”We don’t understand why we, the parents and students, aren’t allowed to understand why he — ‘so-called’ — resigned,” said Ms. Polak, who added she believed Mr. McAlick was actually terminated. “We’re not going to just drop it.”
   While the board steadfastly said no comments regarding Mr. McAlick’s resignation could be made by the board because of privacy laws, the parents and students expressed concern that he was forced to resign. Mr. McAlick did not return calls seeking comment.
   Some noted speaking to him at the Back to School Night a few weeks before the resignation, and said he did not demonstrate any misgivings about his job.
   Many also complained about the treatment of the students who staged a protest Oct. 14, which drew as many as 200 students, organized through a Facebook page titled “Bring-McCalick-Back,” including the police presence. Students also said they were promised an explanation if they would end the protest and return to classes but were not given any further information regarding the explanation.
   ”We, as students, gathered not because we were against anyone,” Amelia Trejo, of South 13th Avenue, said. “We just wanted answers — we were promised answers and we can’t get them.”
   Other students also noted those wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “Bring McAlick Back” to school were told to removed the shirt or face expulsion.
   ”My problem has been the treatment of our children,” Dana Hagan, of South 18th Avenue, said. “I was told they were disrespectful, but I can’t find out who they disrespected.”
   ”If you want students to abide by certain rules, then, by God, you’d better follow them, too,” Kim Richter, of North 12th Avenue, said.
   Ms. Richter added she had seen comments posted online by school administrators and board members about the students’ protest. “When you tell a child you’re disappointed, you’re making Manville look bad,” she said.
   Parent Barbara Jusinski praised Mr. McAlick’s concern for the students, saying he told her he believed all students are artistic. She then challenged the school administrators who banned the T-shirts, but was ordered to sit down by Ms. Alles.
   ”You should be removed from the board,” Ms. Jasinski shot back, then turned and exited as Mr. Zangara moved to close the meeting and the board abruptly ended the meeting.
   After she spoke, Ms. Polak presented the board with a statement signed by many of the parents, supporting Mr. McAlick. The board was also asked to comment on a letter sent by student Tom Zagaja (which can be read at http://www.scribd.com/doc/39566968/BoE-Letter), to which Ms. Alles only noted the letter was very well-written and made her proud to have him as a student.
   Tom then noted state codes state “the board has to have the public’s trust in any decision.”
   ”My question to you is, do you think you have the public’s trust in this decision?”
   Ms. Alles said there are many state codes which apply in situations regarding resignations, including provisions barring board members from speaking about personnel issues. Tom then asked if the board would consider reversing its acceptance of Mr. McAlick’s resignation.
   ”I can’t talk about that,” Ms. Alles said.
   ”Is your opinion the same as it was before?” Tom asked.
   ”I’m going to take this under advisement,” Ms. Alles said.