Superintendent to Leave With More than $41K in Unused Time Off

The Fort Lee Board of Education finalized the financial details of Superintendent Raymond Bandlow’s resignation during a well-attended public meeting Monday, Sept. 12.

BOE president Arthur Levine also announced that the board would not initially hire a permanent replacement for Bandlow, who will leave the district Oct. 31.

More details will be available at the board’s next meeting, Levine promised, in response to residents’ requests for more information. There will be a public discussion of a possible bond referendum at the next board meeting which is scheduled for Sept. 26.

The board unanimously authorized a $41,155 payment for Bandlow's unused sick and vacation days; $26,155 for 31 vacation days and $15,000 for 101.5 sick days. The amount is based on Bandlow’s daily pay rate of $260.

Business Administrator Cheryl Balletto explained that Bandlow has assured the board that he does not plan to use vacation time before leaving the district. Since the payment is not due until Nov. 17, the amount can be recalculated if the superintendent’s plans change, Balletto said.

Bandlow’s accumulated sick time reflects 50 days earned in another district, Balletto said after the meeting. When Bandlow was hired, the board allowed him to carry those days over into his Fort Lee contract. Bandlow is also permitted to add unused emergency and personal days into his sick day total, Balletto said.

In approving Bandlow’s retirement with an effective date of Oct. 31, the board released him from a 90-day notice clause in his contract.

Some of Bandlow's last days as Fort Lee Superintendent could be spent at the New Jersey School Board's convention.

The superintendent, along with all of the district’s top administrators and the board members, will have the option to attend the event Oct. 24 through Oct. 26. The board will reimburse up to $1,050 for those who go.

One resident, Diane Sicheri, questioned the expense in Bandlow’s case.

“He is leaving us 5 days after this is over,” Sicheri said
of the convention. “Dr. Bandlow is even leaving the state to take a job in New York,” she continued. “I don’t see how this benefits New Jersey, or the district,” Sicheri concluded.

Attendance is not mandatory, Bandlow responded. The board’s
resolution simply allocates money for those who go.

“If there is a part of this where I am needed or of service, I would take part in it,” Bandlow said. “If not then I would not go. Thank you very much.”

Several people expressed their concern about the district’s future.

“The community needs to feel that we have a direction,” said Howard Pearl.

“We are going to be able to announce something at the next public meeting,” Levine repeatedly told residents.

“There’s a lot for the board to digest and to think about,” Levine added. “What we would like to do is measure twice and cut once.”

When more residents pressed for information, Levine clarified that the board does not plan to hire a permanent replacement immediately.

“If God comes down from heaven and wants the job, maybe,” joked board member Carmelo Luppino.

“I don’t think he’s that stupid,” Levine countered.