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Friday, May 21, 2021
Vol. 9, No. 21
PRESENTS
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PAGES 21-44
SOUNDVIEW THEATER CURRAN LAUNCHES IN PORT TO REOPEN CAMPAIGN PAGE 2
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Butera takes leave after probe, protests
PA R K W AY B L A Z E
Counsel’s finding he broke rules on sex harassment sparks calls for his firing BY R O S E W E L D ON AND SAMUELE PETRUCCELLI Manhasset School Superintendent Vincent Butera is taking a leave of absence after allegations that he sexually harassed a teacher, the Board of Education has announced. “The past two weeks have been an incredibly difficult time for the Manhasset school community,” the board said in an emailed statement to the community last Thursday signed by its five members. “Effective today, Dr. Vincent Butera will be on a leave of absence so, that as we close out the school year, the district’s sole focus will be on supporting our students, faculty and staff.” The news came after an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations made last fall by an unnamed former teacher at Shelter Rock Elementary School, citing
frequent classroom visits and two unwelcome hugs from the superintendent. The investigation by an independent counsel found that since Butera’s actions were perceived as unwelcome by the teacher, they were against district policy. Butera said at a Manhasset Board of Education meeting on May 6 that he was “disheartened” that the complainant had construed his actions as troublesome. “Despite my intent, the independent counsel did find that my attention was perceived by the complainant as unwelcome, and therefore, a violation of district policy,” Butera said at the meeting. “My actions and behavior have always been intended to mirror the values and high standards that so many of us hold, to convey care and concern. And the thought that even one person perceived that differently brings me profound reContinued on Page 60
PHOTO VIA INSTAGRAM, @MLFD
The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department’s third and fifth companies responded to a car fire before the North Hills exit on the eastbound Northern State Parkway on Monday morning that temporarily shut down part of the highway. No casualties have been reported.
Pullano, Royce win school board seats B Y R O S E W E L D O N , sentative on two of the three school boards serving the ROBERT PELAEZ Manhasset area on Tuesday. AND SAMUELE MANHASSET PETRUCCELLI
Pullano and Erin Royce won, defeating writer and educator Frank Bua and the lone incumbent, 15-year trustee Carlo In an election for two seats Prinzo. Pullano received the most Incumbents were trounced on the Manhasset school board, Continued on Page 61 in elections to choose repre- longtime district parents Jill
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