Appalled by Reprehensible Behavior

(The following letter was submitted by the Hicksville Congress of Teachers. Part of it was omitted because it included dialogue during a private meeting which could not be verified.)

On behalf of the Unionized Staff within the Hicksville School District, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of those who have suffered tragic losses as a result of the recent terrorist attacks on the United States. We would also like to thank the thousands of community volunteers who have filled us with pride and admiration as we all struggle to deal with this devastating event.

One of your children's teachers in the Hicksville School District is a lieutenant in a nearby local fire department. She, like thousands of other dedicated volunteers, responded to the call for help in New York City. She did not go in as a "volunteer," but was called in by her chief to assist at "Ground Zero." As a result, she missed two days of work in the Hicksville Schools. She followed proper procedure, called the substitute service and arranged for coverage.

Upon returning to work, she was summoned to Deputy Superintendent Bright's office and verbally reprimanded for her absences.

The teacher is not questioning the days she was absent, working at Ground Zero, because she was allowed to utilize two personal days. Her issue is the demeaning and threatening way in which she was treated by the Deputy Superintendent who also informed her that if she was ever called to duty again, she would be expected to be at work and not at some volunteer activity. This, despite the fact that the teacher provided a letter from her chief, verifying that her help was not only needed, but also requested.

The union leaders in the Hicksville School District are outraged, saddened, and disappointed by the reprehensible behavior of the Deputy Superintendent toward this teacher. In our opinion, the Deputy Superintendent is supposed to be an educational leader and an inspiration to her staff. We feel that she has not only let us down, but she has also let down the children of Hicksville. We know she is legally within her rights; however, we find her treatment of this situation to be without the moral fiber of simple humanity. This is a lesson that we do not wish to teach our students.

Are we fearful of retribution? Yes! But, we are more fearful of the consequences for Hicksville if we remain silent. Therefore, we leave it in the hands of the Hicksville Community. We hope you are with us and will help us rectify this situation.

What Can the Community Do To Help?

* Call for the resignation and/or apology of those responsible for such reprehensible behavior at the school board meeting on Oct. 24.

* Call for friends and neighbors and tell them that the next school board meeting is at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

* Call your school board members to voice your opinion.

* Tell them what you think should be done about this.

* Take control of your community by getting involved and letting your voice be heard.

Tom Stephen, President, Hicksville Congress of Teachers

Eileen Mills, President, Hicksville Secretaries Association

Linda Hied, President, Hicksville Teaching Assistants, CSEA

Joan Welsh RN, President, New York State Nurses Association, Hicksville Chapter