Letters to the Editor

Administrators get off, teachers go to rubber rooms

Dec 6, 2007 5:52 PM

To the Editor:

Re “Rubber rooms of despair” [Nov. 15]: As a retired teacher from the Bronx, I have seen at close hand the abuses that send people into rubber rooms. But let’s take a look at the kind of people that Schools Chancellor Joel Klein has hired, not counting the special attorneys, he has used education dollars to hurt teachers even more.

First, let’s talk about his wonderful administrators. Starting with Diana Lam his former Deputy Chancellor. I remember well sitting at a conference where she asked us to “suspend disbelief” that nothing will change. It sure has changed! After all, she hired her husband as an entry level administrator and then started her own brand of terror until Klein dismissed her.

During this time we saw that Ilisa Sulnor, as principal of PS 721 in the Bronx, stole student money to buy a chair for her home. She copped a plea and her charges were reduced to disorderly conduct. Her punishment? Yes, of course, a rubber room. NO! She was promoted to local instructional superintendent! She now is the Administrator of Assessment at District 75.

What about Jeannie Jee, the former principal accused of chaining a student to a radiator? She now serves the same district as Director of Attendance.

Shall we mention Ms. Roloff from Lafayette HS? Or the former principal of Brooklyn Tech? Wonderful examples of outrageous administrative behavior and tortured employees.

Who could forget Susan Erber — another reign of terror. She was forced out when she instructed staff to disregard subpoenas.

All of these people sent teachers in double digits to rubber rooms. When will this stop? It will stop when Bloomberg is out of office and Klein runs too. The UFT will not prevail here I’m afraid.

Cypriano Testiverdus, retired