By Paul Wein
As a result of his departure, there will be a special election held the first week in June to determine who will fill his position up until the end of his last term, which ends on June 30 of next year. Following that, a regular election will be held to elect a new union president.
Clements says his new position, which he begins on August 7, is something that he has wanted for quite some time. "I've had my eye on this job for seven or eight years," said Clements. "This is something I wanted to do for a long time. The timing is right now and I was lucky to get it."
As part of his new position, Clements will be the liaison between local and state unions. He will be conducting arbitration hearings and contract negotiations for 20 other local unions, which include teachers, custodians and adult education teachers. He also said that despite his leaving, he will still try and get his LTA members a contract before his vacates his position. "I will work until the last day," he said. "I will try and reach a contract before I leave."
Clements announced his intention to leave on April 24 to some of the faculty and staff, and said that some of the students know as well. Those who have approached him have said they are sorry to see him go. "Most of my fellow colleagues gave me a hug and wished me luck and said they were sorry I am leaving," recalled Clements. "I love the staff here. I will mostly miss the students and camaraderie between the teachers and students. There is a 'specialness' about this place. They have such good relations and everyone respects each other."
When asked if he has someone in mind to fill his position, or if there was someone he had in mind to endorse, Clements said that it is too early to tell, although he does have a candidate in mind. "I am not sure if I would endorse someone if they asked me, but I do have someone in mind who I hope wins."
Dr. Marge Harrison, the 2nd vice president of the LTA, is happy for Clements. "I am thrilled for him," she said. "The job is a perfect fit and it is a great opportunity for him." Harrison said that what she will miss most about Clements is, "his devotion. He is totally devoted to the teachers and students. He never draws a line in the sand and says that he cannot handle something. His constant devotion is unique and that is what I'll miss."
Frank Parise, president of the Lawrence school board, said he will miss Clements and thinks he has done a great job for the district and the union. "Steve is a long time employee of the district and he will be missed," said Parise. "He is a very talented teacher and does a good job representing the union. I wish him the best of luck."
Dr. John T. Fitzsimons, superintendent of District 15, said that he has always been fond of Clements and wishes him well in his future endeavors. "I have worked very well with Steve and I am personally going to miss him," Fitzsimons said. "He is an excellent teacher and is highly respected by the faculty. I worked with many union presidents in the past and I always found him approachable and reasonable. We didn't always agree on things, but that is the nature of our job. I wish him well."
Comments about this story? PWein@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
