Published: September 08, 2008 12:17 am         

MEDINA SCHOOLS: Galante’s resignation official after board votes unanimously to approve the action

A special meeting of the Medina Board of Education on Friday afternoon made the resignation of Superintendent Richard M. Galante official.

The full board convened at 4:30 p.m. and entered into a half-hour-long executive session. When the board returned, the vote to accept Galante’s resignation effective Sept. 5 was unanimous. There was no discussion on the offer.

Before disbanding, the board voted to adopt annual employee agreements for two civil service occupational therapists.

Long-time school board member Virginia Nicholson extended sincere appreciation to District Clerk Janice Jovanelly, Board President Susan Squires and Interim Superintendent Albie A. Suozzi, formerly the assistant superintendent.

As the board-appointed spokeswoman, Squires graciously dealt with the increased media attention, Nicholson said. Likewise, Suozzi stepped into her new position seamlessly, ensuring everything was in order for the first day of school, Nicholson added.

“(Albie Suozzi) pulled the district together at a time when we needed it,” Nicholson said, adding that her fellow board members are to be commended, as well.

“Thank you for keeping us together,” she said. “It’s been pretty traumatic.”

Galante was arrested and charged July 23 with first-degree filing a false instrument, a class E felony, for submitting a false resume to the school district. He was suspended with pay the same day.

A five-month state police investigation revealed Galante lied about working as a New York state trooper from 1981-98 before earning his educational administrator’s license, said Public Information Officer Rebecca Gibbons.

Employed by the Medina Central School District since 2000 as director of financial services, Galante was promoted to the position of superintendent in August 2003. His 2008 contract figure was for $135,750, plus benefits, Squires said.

The case concluded Sept. 4, when Galante appeared in Shelby Town Court and agreed to step down as superintendent. His sentence had been reduced to a misdemeanor, offering a false instrument for filing in the second-degree. As long as Galante completes 60 hours of community service and is not arrested within the next six months, the charge against him will be dismissed, according to the plea deal.