Clarkstown School Board Member Diane Hoeneveld read a statement at Thursday night’s board meeting criticizing other trustees. Her remarks came after the announcement earlier in the week by Superintendent Margaret Keller-Cogan that she had accepted a position with an independent school in Buffalo and was leaving the district at the end of the school year. Hoeneveld blamed other board members for the loss of who she described as the best superintendent the district ever had.
“We shall never have another superintendent like you,” said Hoeneveld. “Thank you for all that you have done for the , its children, its staff and its community.”
Hoeneveld went on to name six other people who she said had left the district because of the “majority four.” She said she felt the four, Phil DeGaetano, Donna Ehrenberg, Doug Katz and Kevin Grogan, did not serve the best interests of the community but simply wanted to force Keller-Cogan out. She suggested that DeGaetano should not run for re-election and Ehrenberg resign from the board since she said their objective was achieved. She said Katz and Grogan could celebrate their victory.
“Do not think for a moment that the majority four had your children’s education at heart,” read Hoeneveld. “They were too busy plotting how to get rid of Keller-Cogan. They were consumed with this goal.”
Ehrenberg disputed the allegations.
“I’ve spend years volunteering and caring for the children of this school district. I’ve not come in to hurt anybody and I think people understand that,” Ehrenberg said.
Katz did not respond to the criticisms but urged the board members to focus on their responsibilities as trustees.
“I think we should all concentrate on the kids,” he said. “That’s what we were all elected for.”
