Lawrence officials mum on principal's suspension

BY JOIE TYRRELL

joie.tyrrell@newsday.com

Lawrence school officials remained mum Tuesday night on the prior suspension of the high school principal despite pleas from parents who asked for answers at the Board of Education meeting.

Geoffrey Touretz, who had been the high school principal for seven years, was suspended with pay in October but school officials, citing personnel law, said Tuesday night they were precluded from giving out information about any employee.

Blasia Baum, Lawrence Central Council PTA president, said that there has been no communication with parents or students regarding the situation. Touretz has not returned prior calls for comment.

"We are extremely disappointed about how this is being handled," she said, adding there is a "total disregard for our students."

In other news from the board meeting, the board appointed Gary Schall, deputy superintendent, as superintendent, to replace current superintendent John Fitzsimons, who is planning to retire. Schall will become superintendent July 1.

Schall is "respected by all diverse segments of our community," said board president Murray Forman. "We have every confidence he will continue the rich tradition of the Lawrence district as well as improve on it."

Board members also heard from residents and representatives of the Five Towns Community Center regarding funding cuts to a program that provided staff from the center to work with at risk students and families in the schools. The district cut the $98,000 in funding to the center and will use district employees to provide the services, Fitzsimons said.

"Its disappointing," said Bertha Pruitt, the center's executive director. "We feel there is a disconnect between us and the school district."