Frustrated “School of No” teachers pressed Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña for a real leader Tuesday after complaints that a handpicked crony was running the show for the embattled Queens principal booted last month after years of alleged mismanagement.
Fariña met with about 30 teachers and paraprofessionals in the auditorium of Far Rockaway’s PS 106, a month after Principal Marcella Sills was removed and formally accused of collecting a paycheck for no work and decorating her office with money meant for basic supplies.
“We’re here to support them and we have good suggestions and we’re going to work forward in helping them,” Fariña said after the 30-minute meeting. “Are things looking up? I think so.”
But teachers were cautious after the meeting, saying they will wait for tangible change before getting their hopes up, particularly as they continue to take orders from an administrator considered to be close to Sills.
The staff received assurances that Assistant Principal Shalonda Williams would not take over permanently, and that interviews were under way for Sills’ replacement.
Williams could not be reached for comment.