Hundreds of angry Jericho High School faculty members, students and parents addressed the Jericho School Board during its monthly meeting last Thursday calling for the board to reconsider their decision to deny Jericho High School Principal Gerard Cairns and Claire Hochheiser tenure.

Cairns, former principal of Oceanside High School and former assistant principal of Commack High School, came to Jericho two and a half years ago and is due to receive tenure upon his third year anniversary. Hochheiser has been in the Jericho School district for 10 years and served two and a half years as the curriculum associate, K-12 in special education.

According to the New York Board of Education, in New York State, tenure is usually granted at the three-year anniversary. The person is nominated by either the principal in the case of a teacher, or by the superintendent for a principal. It then goes to the district's school board to vote upon. According to the Jericho School Board, the board could not vote because the superintendent did not nominate the candidates for tenure. Since they have not been given tenure, they will not have a position within the Jericho School district come September.

According to board members, Jericho High School's previous principals included Arnold Goldstein, who served three years and received tenure against many of the faculty's advice. Goldstein then took a position as assistant superintendent in the Bellmore-Merrick school district. The previous principal was Matthew Mandery who served 10 years.

No public reason has been given as to why Principal Cairns and Curriculum Associate Hochheiser were not nominated for tenure by Jericho School District Superintendent Hank Grishman. "Due to restrictions in law the Board of Education and the Superintendent are prohibited from commenting on personnel matters," said Grishman. "However, at all times, we welcome opinions and comments from our students, staff and community."

At the eleventh hour, close to midnight, two board members up for re-election in May, Toni Meliambro and Vice President Barbara Krieger, voted to go into executive session to vote upon the fate of Cairns and Hochheiser. But, the board needed a third vote and failed to receive a majority. According to attorney Chris Powers, they could not go into executive session without a majority vote.

New York State Education Department spokesperson Jonathan Burman said, "anyone who feels they've been aggrieved by an action or decision of a school board may challenge that action or decision in an appeal to the education commissioner, who acts like a judge in deciding the appeal."

According to teachers, after weeks of rumors, it was evident that Principal Cairns would not be nominated for tenure. So, at the school board meeting of March 17 English teachers Ken Darr and Michael Hartnett presented the board with a letter signed by 73 teachers, which represents 98 percent of the high school tenured faculty, describing the principal's contributions toward student achievement. They requested that the board re-examine Superintendent Hank Grishman's decision and nominate Principal Cairns for tenure. The letter was sent to the community as well, inviting parents and students to the April 21 board meeting to speak to the board.

English teacher Ken Darr asked Superintendent Grishman to describe the pre-requisite characteristics that a principal needs to receive tenure. Grishman answered with: 1. Ability to communicate with everyone, 2. Get along well with everyone, 3. Provide education, leadership within the community, 4. Background understanding of the current research, 5. Bring that research into reality for Jericho High School.

Student Matthew Friedman, setting the highly emotional tone of the evening, said "I believe principal Cairns has met all of those criteria and then some."

Friedman pleaded for democracy and drew a parallel to President Ronald Reagan's famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin on June 12, 1987 when Reagan asked Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall." Friedman asked that the school board "tear down the wall" between the board and the faculty, students and parents. Upon which the entire audience, comprised of faculty members wearing black Jericho Teacher's Association T-shirts in a show of solidarity, many students and parents, jumped to their feet cheering and applauding, fueling their cause and setting the bar high for all other speakers.

"I feel Mr. Cairns is a positive influence academically, socially and athletically," said Dan Palmieri, vice president of student council. "The sense of unity in the school created a strong bond between teachers, administrators and students."

"Our students, once again, never fail to impress all of us with their maturity, their intelligence, and their outstanding ability to express their views and opinions," said Grishman.

"We live in a small community. I'm glad that people felt comfortable enough that they can come to the school board with issues and concerns and be heard," said Hilari Cohen president of the Jericho School Board. She added "I'm especially proud of the students. The exceptional, eloquent speeches made by the students are indicative of our excellent school system."

Students from all backgrounds addressed the board. "I'm a multi-racial, inner city girl from Brooklyn. I moved into Jericho in September 2004. Mr. Cairns was kind and considerate," Naomi Coan said. She added "When there was a problem with racial slurs, Mr. Cairns was there immediately to take care of the problem. I didn't see any of you board members there."

"I've had my share of trouble," said student Kyle Scheiner "I met Mr. Cairns and he said he was here for me and that his door was always open and he meant it." Scheiner addressed the board saying, "How would you feel if someone put an ad in the New York Times for the position you're currently in? I would speculate that you wouldn't like it either."

"Claire Hochheiser and Gerard Cairns are child-centered and ethical educators. They are among the precious and rare administrators who focus on education, not politics. I am honored to be a witness to their accomplishments and proud to continue to support them for tenure," said board member Toni Meliambro. She added, "What a sad message was delivered to the children of Jericho last week- that you may speak, but the powers-that-be are not listening."

Sandy Stoller, head of tutors' association in the Jericho Learning Center was appalled at the decision to oust Claire Hochheiser. She added "I've been a member of this staff for many years. No one even approached me for my input and I was shocked. Ms. Hochheiser is a superb administrator and I'm disappointed in the school board's decision."

"When Mr. Cairns came to Jericho, morale was at an all time low," said social studies teacher Nick Maravantano. He added, "Gerard is a great leader. What does this say to young teachers coming into this profession when the district is not willing to invest in good people?"

Parent Susan Bloomberg said "You've given tenure to people far less qualified than these two outstanding professionals. Our excellent school district is not because of you 'sitting up here on the board.' It's because of these fabulous educators. You do not have the students' best interest on your priority list. Therefore, come May 17 at the next election, you're off my priority list."

Parent Patina Finn made a plea to the parents and taxpayers in the audience to take the school board vote seriously. "Last year only 850 people made it to the voting booths out of 5,000. You have to come out and vote. Let your voice be heard."

Last Thursday at 8:15 a.m. where 500 students held a 45-minute peaceful "stand in" orchestrated by Jesse Bachrach and Mr. Ianucci, to support Principal Cairns and Hochheiser. Students wore "if it ain't broke, don't fix it...Let's save Mr. Cairns" stickers. To which, Jericho School Board President Hilari Cohen praised the organized way in which the students behaved.

According to the school board, this May, two seats on the board are up for re-election. Vice President Barbara Krieger and board member Toni Meliambro. Next year board member Ira Checkla and President Hilari Cohen are up for re-election. Superintendent Hank Grishman has been in his position approximately 10 years. Last year his contract was extended and is up for re-election within the next two years.

The next school board meeting is set for May 26.