092906 Tenure decision for two teachers is delayed

BY NEAL RENTZ

The Bedford Central board of education has extended the tenure probation period by two months for two Bedford Hills Elementary School teachers on paid leave in the wake of the incident involving the interviewing of a student who was a sex abuse victim.

At Wednesday's meeting, the board approved motions to extend the probationary periods of Jennifer Conte and Regina Smith from Oct. 31 to Dec. 31.

Both resolutions stated, "The board has determined that it will require additional time to investigate certain matters that bear upon the continued employment" of the two teachers.

Ms. Conte and Ms. Smith, three other teachers, and principal Victoria Graboski have been on paid administrative leave since late August.

Bedford police arrested Ms. Graboski on Sept. 1 on a misdemeanor charge of failure to report a suspected case of child abuse/maltreatment, a violation of Social Services Law. On or about Dec. 21, 2005, the principal is alleged to have received information from a parent of a student at the elementary school about suspected child abuse.

In an interview earlier this month, Bedford Teachers Association president Adam Yuro demanded that the teachers be returned to the class-room because they have not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Ms. Conte's attorney, George Santangelo, also said his client did nothing improper and has been cooperating with officials from the Westchester County district attorney's office, the school district, and board of education.

Ms. Conte interviewed the young victim in December 2005 and reported back to Ms. Graboski, Mr. Santangelo said in a recent inter-view.