by Anthony Rifilato
Harrington informed the district last month that he would not continue in his role as musical director, a decision that shocked parents and students who said that his productions have been praised not only in Baldwin, but in other districts as well.
While Harrington has not publicly said why he is stepping down, parents have said that he is overburdened as the English department chairman at Baldwin Middle School.
Parents and students described how he has been a leader in a district that has been named one of the top 100 performing arts programs in the nation and trumpeted his productions of "Seussical" and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Many also consider Harrington responsible for the high school's having been asked by Music Theater International two years ago to be the first school in the country to perform "Ragtime."
Parents told the board that it would be unfortunate to lose Harrington. Although he has not said that he is leaving the district, many said that his work is envied by other school districts, and that Baldwin could risk losing him. "It would aggravate me to no end to lose him and hear about how another school district is benefiting," Natalie Crowe, president of Baldwin Friends of Music, told the board. "Don't let the man go."
Harrington seems to be stepping down reluctantly, however, and parents said that he is looking for a way to continue in his role. At the meeting, the board said that it had received a proposal from Harrington, although board members would not go into details. Harrington would not return calls for comment.
But one source said that he is requesting a position that would give him more time to devote to musical productions. That could mean that he would step down as English chair at the middle school and serve in a different administrative capacity, possibly as director of public relations, a new position in the district that would have to be created, said a source. Currently, the district has a part-time public relations employee.
The board would not say whether Harrington had asked for such a position, but that sort of request would have to be included in the school budget, and if Harrington were to step down as English chairman, the board would have to hire a replacement.
When parents asked board members if they had reached a decision on Harrington's proposal, newly appointed board President Mary Jo O'Hagan said that the board was still evaluating what she said was a "substantial position" Harrington was requesting. "This proposal that has reached us is not a proposal we can decide on quickly," O'Hagan said, adding that it wasn't a matter to be discussed publicly and that the board was allowing some latitude due to the strong feelings among parents and students. "I'm uncomfortable having this discussion in public."
Parents said that Harrington is not looking for more money, but rather a way in which he can devote more time to the musicals. Parent Cliff Schoenberg told the board that he understood it wouldn't be easy to find room in the budget for Harrington's request, but that it could be done. "I would urge the board to direct [Superintendent Robert Britto] to find room in the school budget to keep a precious asset in Baldwin," Schoenberg said.
O'Hagan noted that Baldwin is known for having one of the tightest school budgets in Nassau County, and said that the board could not simply add items to the budget, which was nearly defeated in May, passing by only five votes. "There isn't money readily available to give out," said O'Hagan.
Parents also said that Harrington is stepping down in part due to a lack of support, although where that support is lacking remains to be seen. Some parents hinted that some staff members have not been supporting Harrington during the musical productions. "Some people don't pull their weight all of the time," said Crowe, who did not name anyone specific. "I know for a fact that [Harrington] doesn't want to leave."
But O'Hagan took issue with such statements against staff members, and said that despite concerns about Harrington's departure as musical director, the board and district are committed to the program. "While we hear the passion and incredible support for the program ... we as a board support the theater program in the district," O'Hagan said.
Meanwhile, the district has an opening for a musical director posted, O'Hagan said, although she would not say whether any candidates had been interviewed.
Deanna Wangerin, a 2005 Baldwin High graduate, praised Harrington, and told the board how he has been an inspiration to students, and said that he is irreplaceable. "I'm not going to say that another teacher can't do this, but what Mr. Harrington does gives inspiration to everyone," said Wangerin. "We need him."
Others wanted to know about the district's theater productions in the upcoming school year. "We want to make sure that something is being produced this year," said Nancy Schoenberg.
O'Hagan tried to reassure parents and students, saying that there would be a theater program with or without Harrington. "We are absolutely committed to the program," said O'Hagan.
Comments about this story? Baldwineditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
