By:Jonann Brady
District cites political motives; teacher and union hold their ground
After an emotionally charged Hicksville school board meeting two weeks ago in which several members of the audience called for the resignation of the superintendent and deputy superintendent, the district says its side has been misrepresented.
The controversy began when a Hicksville high school math teacher, Karen Werfelman, said she was "reprimanded" after taking off two days from school to volunteer at the World Trade Center with the Baldwin Fire Department.
In a statement faxed to the Baldwin Herald on Nov. 1, the district said, "it is unfortunate that at a time when we are seeking healing, certain union leaders in the district are attempting to capitalize on the tragedy of Sept. 11th in connection with this personnel matter....it is important that the facts be known."
Both sides agree that Werfelman called the substitute service requesting a substitute for Sept. 12 and Sept. 17. At issue, the district says, is not the fact that Werfelman took days off, but
that she did not follow proper procedure for reporting her absence. To follow procedure "the teacher calling in is asked to identify the type of absence being used that day, that is, sick, family illness or personal day
