Dear Manhasset Community,

In May 2021 an article was published in the local press that brought a complaint by a former employee into the public domain. Months earlier, the complaint had been investigated, addressed, and closed by the Board of Education.

It has always been my intent to demonstrate care and kindness in my personal and professional interactions.

I was not aware that certain interactions that were part of my day-to-day responsibilities were perceived by a former employee as anything less than completely professional. Those who know me know that had I been made aware, I would have responded immediately and appropriately.

Due to the confidential nature of this personnel matter, the Board of Education and I were limited in our ability to comment when it was made public. This resulted in a very heated reaction in the school community.

As the Board acknowledged in their public statement, some of that reaction was uninformed, and the resulting misinformation (or lack of information) only ignited further speculation.

In response to the complaint, the Board hired an independent investigator to review the matter. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Board of Education – understanding all facets of the complaint – determined that disciplinary action was not warranted, and the matter was appropriately closed.

As the Board has stated publicly, this was the “right decision.” During the investigation and afterwards, the Board and I learned that there were individuals actively seeking to leak information to the media. The story was indeed published 8 months later.

I must admit that it is surreal to have a reputation – as a professional, as a husband, and as a father – subjected to this degree of calumny.

Despite this experience, it has been a privilege to serve as Manhasset’s Superintendent of Schools and to work with you, guided by a strong belief that every child is deserving of opportunities, expectations, and support in an environment where they feel a sense of connection and belonging.

I want to express how grateful I am for the outpouring of support from so many in the community, as well as current and former colleagues over these past unfortunate months, including one young student who last May reached out to share her belief in me and to urge me to keep fighting and to never quit.

Words cannot adequately express how much your kindness and support during this difficult time has meant to me and my family.

The past several years have shown each of us that every so often the universe sends us a message that life is sometimes hard and unfair, yet the only thing we control is how we respond and what we learn from these moments.

While there are many challenges that lie ahead, may our willingness to engage in a dialogue of understanding and care make this a time of resilience, healing, and personal growth for all.

And to that one young student who implored me back in May to never quit, please know I have not.

Kind Regards,

Vincent Butera