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By KRISTIN KILE [email protected]
Friday, July 01, 2005 Page: 3A
The debate over high school principal Tom Kubasek’s transfer to K.M. Smith
Elementary School continued at Thursday night’s meeting.
More than 80 people attended, causing the meeting to be held in the
auditorium rather than the regular board room.
Supporters cheered as Kubasek entered the high school. Students wore
T-shirts supporting Kubasek and warning, “Election day is coming.” They also
displayed signs which said, “Our voices can’t be heard if you don’t open your
ears.”
In May, the school board voted to make the switch. Assistant high school
principal Maryann Jarolen will take the post as head principal, and Kubasek
will become principal of K.M. Smith Elementary School. Thursday’s meeting was
the last meeting before the transfer goes into effect today.
Many people spoke on Kubasek’s behalf, describing him as a kind and
compassionate man.
Samantha McManus, a student in the high school, said Kubasek treats
everyone with respect. “He can be a better principal at the high school.”
Carol Grabinski has a granddaughter in the high school. She said she is sad
and concerned with the board’s decision.
“He has the time to be involved with the concerns of the students,”
Grabinski said.
Joan Capece said Kubasek is keeping kids in school.
“He started as principal four years ago and in those four years the dropout
rate has dropped.”
Kevin Grevera said he has worked with both Jarolen and Kubasek regularly.
He said the board is not doing justice if it lets people influence its
previous decision.
“If you made an executive decision, stick behind your guns,” Grevera said.
Kubasek did not address the board on his own behalf.
The board did not address any of the comments at the meeting. Board
solicitor Vito DeLuca said the board is not discussing the matter in public.
In other business the board hired the following for the 2005-06 school
year:
*Tracy View, Teresa Polfka, Jennifer Wolfe, Amanda Salus, Jennifer Jones,
Valerie Bartle, Rebecca Waiter and Janelle Stapert as elementary teachers
*Michael Stachowiak as a science teacher
*Jennis Bunnell as a music teacher
*Joan Solano, Ann Marie O’Donnell and Carol Hromisin as reading teachers
*Clint Ross and Paula Fine as special education teachers
*James Barna as a physical education teacher
*Joe Figlerski as an art teacher
*Steven Blannard as an alternative education teacher
*Stacy Spigarelli as an elementary guidance counselor