My Reply To Gallon's Courier Comments

With respect to two comments Dr. Gallon gave to the Courier, please allow me to respond…

“It is somewhat concerning that a number of persons have made "calls for action' around an issue allegedly involving two staffers and for which the facts are not fully known,"

Dr. Gallon -- I would think you would not be at all surprised that I have submitted a ‘call to action’ -- as it is what I have always done and will continue to do when there is a situation that negatively impacts the educational solvency of this city‘s school system. You are correct in your assertion that we Can ILL AFFORD (literally and figuratively) to go through this in the wake of the positive momentum we have recently embarked upon.

Be clear, I don’t give a care about personality conflicts, who likes who, etc.. and in fact I stayed far away from the many issues I was personally privy to as concerns the treatment alleged by these “Two Staffers”. However Sir, this is no longer just some bruised egos griping. There is substantial evidence present.

As you yourself so eloquently reported: “…all professional courtesies, support, considerations and discretions that were extended to prior employees in the past by the Plainfield Board of Education, are being extended in this case," .

I believe one of those courtesies was suspension pending the findings. The only reason why previous employees received pay along with the suspension was because their union contract mandated same. If there is a contractual obligation to pay these ladies during this time -- then so be it, by all means do what is fair and what is LEGAL.

What is concerning is that you don’t think it prudent to sanction these employees pending the outcome of the Board's investigation. If all is copasetic then their pay would be released to them as would be appropriate. For now however, we need to protect THE CHILDREN and the Children’s FUNDS.