The Glen Cove Record Pilot has received word that a decision has been rendered in the ongoing disciplinary action taken by the Glen Cove Board of Education against longtime teacher Savy Gallo. Howard Edelman, the independent arbitrator charged with deciding Mr. Gallo's guilt or innocence in the action, has found the teacher innocent of all charges stemming from accusations of sexual harassment of a female high school student.

The decision means that Mr. Gallo will be back teaching in the high school very soon. Since the ordeal began, he has either worked in Thayer House (in the administration offices) or in a classroom situation where he was always shadowed by another teacher.

From the onset, Jon Lovett, attorney for Mr. Gallo, has called the proceeding a "complete abuse of power by the school district." When reached for comment following the decision, he reiterated his opinion, adding, "It has also been a monumental waste of taxpayers' money, probably six figures worth of legal fees. The district has wasted this money proving they don't have any business sense and that they are clueless as to what they should be doing in regard to what should be brought up on charges." The school board reported that the exact amount spent on legal was $86, 967.

Mr. Lovett pointed out that Mr. Gallo was found guilty of one charge, that of mimicking the young woman by speaking to her in a high-pitched voice. For that indiscretion, Mr. Edelman has ordered a reprimand be placed in Mr. Gallo's personnel file.

When reached for comment, attorneys for the school district directed this reporter to the school board, which released this prepared statement:

"The hearing officer in the Saverino Gallo teacher discipline proceeding has rendered a decision finding Mr. Gallo guilty of conduct unbecoming a teacher. Specifically, the hearing officer found Mr. Gallo's mocking of a female student in his class to be a breach of his professional responsibilities and misconduct. The hearing officer has ordered that a reprimand be placed in Mr. Gallo's personnel file. The hearing officer dismissed several other charges based on a variety of reasons such as timeliness and corroboration.

The hearing officer also found that the district acted in good faith in its investigation of the allegations against Mr. Gallo and found out that the district's investigation was both "forthright and competent."

Mr. Gallo has been working on curriculum in Thayer House pending the decision. At this time, he will be returned to a teaching assignment within his tenure area.

It is the district's and the board's obligation to maintain and promote an educational and work environment free of discomfort for any student, faculty and staff. As such, the district takes any allegations made by students, faculty or staff very seriously. The board feels that it has met its obligation in this matter."

Mr. Gallo had little to say at this time, other than "My family and I are extremely exhausted. We are glad this ordeal is over."