Smithtown Superintendent Creates New Administrative Position

Smithtown Superintendent Anthony Annunziato created a new administrative staff position on Tuesday night, promising its the first of many reorganizational changes to come. 

Smithtown Board of Education approved the addition of a new assistant superintendent of pupil and personnel services to the district's central administrative team at Tuesday's board meeting. Deborah Vertovez was appointed at interim assistant superintendent starting May 6. 

Annunziato said the new position is necessary to fill in the gaps the district has numerous vacant position at the district's administrative level, although he did not give specific numbers. 

"It's important we look to restructure and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of central administration," Annunziato said. " While the establishment of this position only represents a quotient of that reorganization we will continue with, it will not include any additional positions but will seek savings, changes in the organization and possible reductions in staff through attrition." 

Under the district's proposed 2013-14 budget, the Tier 1 cuts call for $130,000 in administrative reductions through attrition. It is small portion of the $2,819,000 in cuts made. 

Denise McMahon, Smithtown's SEPTA president, accused the administrative level change a targeted strike against the district's special education students. Dr. Brenda Clark, Smithtown's administrator for special education and special services, has taken personal leave without any notice to concerned parents. 

"I have been with SEPTA for 12 year and never has a special education administrator taken leave during our end-of-year special reviews and CSEs. Now is not the time to take a leave," McMahon said. 

Annunziato said he could not comment on Clark's reason for taking leave as it's a personnel issue. However, he referenced Vertovez's appointment is an effort "to fill that gap."

"We do have two people, one who is permanent, one who is an interim, who has over 35 years of experience. I do have confidence the department will continue to serve the needs of students in this district," he said.