Serving Manhasset, Munsey Park, North Hills, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Plandome and Flower Hill
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Friday, September 10, 2021
Vol. 9, No. 37
LIVING 50 PLUS
9/11 MEMORIES STILL FRESH
CURRAN CALLS FOR LEGISLATURE TO RETURN
PAGES 23-26
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Two being paid as Manhasset superintendent
BACK TO SCHOOL
Butera, Passi receiving salaries from school district, according to contracts BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Two men are being paid to serve as superintendent of the Manhasset school district, despite one being on leave since May as a result of a sexual harassment scandal, according to contracts. Superintendent Vincent Butera, who district officials said violated its sexual harassment policy, is being paid $286,844 after a recent raise he received on July 1, according to the contract. Michael Ganci of Syntax, acting as a spokesman for the district, confirmed to Newsday that Butera’s compensation arrangement was the same as it was before he went on leave in May. Acting Superintendent Gaurav Passi, who was appointed to replace Butera on a temporary basis in August, is still being paid the salary he received as the assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and personnel. According to the contract, Passi is receiving a $2,000 monthly stipend on
top of the $214,135 annual salary he received from the role of assistant superintendent. In September 2020, a Shelter Rock Elementary School teacher filed a complaint alleging that Butera made her feel uncomfortable after hugging her twice in school and frequently visiting her classroom to “just stand in the back and stare,” according to NBC News. Both incidents were described as “creepy.” After that filing, the district hired the law office of Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert to investigate the allegations, according to reports. Two months later, the firm found that since Butera’s actions were perceived as unwelcome by the teacher, they were against district policy. Butera said at a Manhasset Board of Education meeting in May that he was “disheartened” that the complainant had construed his actions as troublesome. Jamie Moss of the public reContinued on Page 34
PHOTO COURTESY OF MANHASSET SCHOOL DISTRICT
Students throughout Manhasset schools begin the 2021-22 school year.
Father of crash victims to sue Suffolk County BY R OB E RT PELAEZ The father of two Manhasset men who died in a head-on car collision in Quogue over the summer filed a notice of
claim to sue Suffolk County for up to $40 million. The legal documents blame Suffolk County for inadequate roadway maintenance and claim the county failed to install a “jersey barrier,” which
is designed to prevent vehicles from crossing over the center of the highway, on a section of the roadway. The litigation lists James Farrell Sr. as the plaintiff. He Continued on Page 44
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