Is there any conflict of interest by holding a position whereby an individual has some control over the salary and benefits of the retired teachers while the same individual is also a retired teacher?
Would there be any illegal and/or unethical aspect to such an arrangement?
According to a supportive character reference letter by a former GNPS principal, Phyllis Feldman, in the April 8 issue of Great Neck News, Ms. Donna Peirez is both a retired teacher and also a previous “Vice President” of GNPS’s Union, “Great Neck Teachers Association (GNTA).”
If Ms. Peirez gets re-elected should she be allowed to vote on issues affecting the salaries and benefits of the retired teachers or she should recuse herself when facing the issue?
What if she only recuses herself for only the issues affecting the salaries and benefits of the retired teachers but she would still be allowed to vote on expenses other than the salaries or benefits of the school retirees?
Would there be a conflict of interest? Obviously, if she votes against such expenditures, there would be more funds available that could be utilized for the salaries and benefits of the retirees.
The school’s decisions are influenced by different entities each protecting different interests.
In fact, union leaders and school trustees have adversely conflicting interests.
The function of the school board of trustees a/k/a “Board of Education” (BOE) is to provide the best education for the students while taking into account the best financial interest of the taxpayers.
The members of BOE are supposed to make sure that the proper allocation of the budget is implemented by the optimal use of the available funds in order to materialize those goals.
The unions, however, protect the best financial interests of the employees, teachers and contractors.
Hence, in addition to a possible conflict of interest of Ms. Peirez to be a trustee on the Board of Education, there is another questionable aspect with respect to her candidacy, i.e., her allegiance to the union as she has served as the vice president of the school union. Her allegiance and past connections to the union could cause bias in her decision making.
A unionist mindset is at odds with what is expected from a trustee mindset
Michael Eisenstein
Great Neck
Since Ms. Peirez has been a trustee since 2016, I am curious as to why Mr. Eisenstein is bringing up these concerns at this point in time. Where was his concern about the potential conflict of interest when Ms. Peirez was initially elected? Why not review her past performance as a trustee and assess whether there has been any “questionable aspect” to investigate? The truth is, there is nothing questionable and nothing to be concerned about. Donna Peirez is the only viable candidate for GNPS school board trustee.
Just to add to my previous comment – in case anyone is wondering, the trustees of the Board of Education have absolutely NO input into the pensions/benefits of retired teachers. Those amounts are determined by the NYS Teachers Retirement System and are based on the number of years worked and the salary earned. As I previously stated, there is nothing “questionable” to investigate. Mr. Eisenstein needs to do his homework before making baseless accusations.
there is NO conflict. What is a conflict is that we have a district nurse who is a parent in the district who is also the EMB PTO president and is is a union member!!!. Hugeeee conflict
What is the conflict exactly?
Please elaborate on this conflict.
Can you explain how that’s a conflict? My son’s social studies teacher has a daughter in the school and is also pto
New York State Teachers Retirement System controls pensions, not local school boards. I’m surprised the author of this letter didn’t know that.
As an EMB parent I strongly feel that anyone who is employeed by the district (even part time) should not be one of the PTO’s elected officers. A staff member could be put in a difficult position when filling the dual role of employee/union member and PTO leader. PTO leadership needs independence. If there is a problem – or even perception of problem, a district employee is involved.
Certain Baker parents,Nina Gordan and her gang really need to just get a life. I heard Baker have the best PTO Presidents.
Nobody questioned/comment on effectiveness of Baker PTO, so no need to divert the discussion.
Many parent feel the same. Simply put …district employee, member of teacher union, PTO president = conflict of interest.