Hempstead School Board takes step toward removing superintendent

<p>The Hempstead School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to take steps against Superintendent Shimon Waronker that could lead to his dismissal.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 7, 2018, 2:53 PM

Updated 2,081 days ago

Share:

The Hempstead School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to take steps against Superintendent Shimon Waronker that could lead to his dismissal.
The board voted to have its labor law firm look into Waronker’s conduct as an employee. That moves the district a step closer to firing Waronker.
It was not immediately clear what the board is accusing Waronker of. The district told News 12 that it can’t comment on personnel matters.
Waronker has been on paid administrative leave since January. Last month, the board voted to extend that leave through the end of this month.
Waronker sued the district, claiming he was being ousted because of his allegations of corruption within the district. He says he uncovered theft, no-show jobs and paid contractors who have no contracts.
Former Brentwood School Superintendent Michael Cohen says the allegations made by the superintendent go back decades, and haven't ever been fully investigated.
“As long as this cloud hangs over Hempstead, I don't think you can ever really have progress,” says Cohen.
The state-appointed advisor to the district, Jack Bierwirth, disagreed with that assessment, saying he has seen progress in multiple areas.
“I'm seeing things that I'm very encouraged by. The district just needs to keep going. There's a lot to do and it's going to take time. But they've got to keep working at it,” said Bierwirth.
According to the school board spokesperson, the board will determine if there is cause to move toward a hearing, where a hearing officer will be agreed upon between the district and Waronker’s attorney. During that hearing, Waronker would be able to call witnesses.
If Waronker is found guilty of anything by the hearing officer, the board can terminate him without paying the rest of his contract.


More from News 12
1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

2:03
Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

Brightening skies and warmer temperatures heading into the weekend

1:50
Concern growing over homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Concern growing over homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

1:55
8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

8-year-old from Valley Stream becomes first in NY to undergo gene therapy for rare disease

2:27
2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

2016 whistleblower tip warned of barrels buried at old Grumman property in Bethpage

0:25
Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

Long Islander wins $1,000 a day for life from lotto ticket

1:34
Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

0:44
NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

1:09
The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

1:52
Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

0:37
North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

0:22
Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

1:45
Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

0:30
Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

0:19
Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex

Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex