Dear Fellow Community Members,

I am writing to share urgent concerns regarding the proposed renaming of Cantiague Elementary School and to call for immediate community action. Recent developments have revealed significant procedural and ethical issues that demand our attention and response.

Community Response Growing
Our petition calling for the withdrawal of the premature proposal to rename Cantiague Elementary School has now reached 249 supporters. This growing support demonstrates the community's serious concerns about this matter. If you haven't yet signed, please add your voice at: https://www.change.org/p/withdraw-the-premature-proposal-to-rename-cantiague-elementary-school

Recent Events and Concerning Pattern
On January 23, 2025, PTA Council President Aileen Gingold, alongside Jericho Educational Foundation leadership, presented a proposal to rename Cantiague Elementary School to Henry L. Grishman Elementary School. Board of Education Vice President Jill Citron immediately moved to advance this proposal to the February agenda, bypassing standard vetting procedures and community input processes.

This action follows a troubling pattern. At the December Board of Education meeting, Mrs. Gingold expressed "disappointment" with the community's tone regarding regionalization concerns, stating that "we need to remember that our Administration, teachers, board members and PTA work very hard to do what is in the best interest of all of our students." She called for the community to "actively and respectfully listen to one another." The irony of these statements is particularly striking now, as she advances a major school renaming proposal without any prior community input or consultation.

The contrast between Mrs. Gingold's call for listening and her actions raises serious questions about PTA leadership and representation. While advocating for civil discourse and mutual respect, her actions demonstrate a concerning pattern of attempting to control free speech, and parent voices while simultaneously bypassing community input on significant decisions affecting our schools.

Several concerning aspects of this process require immediate attention:

1. Procedural Irregularities: The immediate advancement of the proposal without proper vetting or community input raises significant governance concerns.
2. Conflicts of Interest: The involvement of Denise Nash, who serves both as the district's Director of Public Information & Community Relations and on the Jericho Educational Foundation's Advisory Board, creates potential conflicts under Public Officers Law § 805-a.
3. Coordinated Action: The timing and presentation of this proposal suggest a level of pre-planning that contradicts proper governance requirements under New York State law.
4. Transparency Issues: The apparent coordination between district officials and affiliated organizations raises questions about proper separation of roles and decision-making processes.

Historical Significance at Risk
The name "Cantiague" represents more than just a school identifier. It carries deep historical significance as one of the few surviving connections to our area's indigenous heritage, documented in colonial records from 1648. This name serves as a vital educational resource, connecting our students to the rich history of our community.

Immediate Action Needed

1. Attend the Board Meeting:
   - Date: Tuesday, February 11
   - Time: 7:30 p.m.
   - Location: Ratner Seaman Elementary School 137 Leahy St, Jericho, NY 11753

2. Submit Written Comments:
   - Email: boequestions@jerichoschools.org
   - Include your name
   - Reference "Cantiague Elementary School Renaming Proposal"

3. Sign and Share the Petition:
   https://www.change.org/p/withdraw-the-premature-proposal-to-rename-cantiague-elementary-school

   Help us reach more community members by sharing the petition with your networks.
   
If You Cannot Attend: Written Statement for Public Reading

For those unable to attend, you may submit a statement to be read during public comment. Your statement should:
- Be addressed to "Members of the Board of Education"
- Include your name
- State whether you are a district resident or parent
- Be clear, concise, and focused on specific concerns
- Request it be read during public comment if you cannot attend

Sample Statement Template: email  to 

boequestions@jerichoschools.org

Dear Members of the Board of Education,

I am [your name], a [resident/parent] of the Jericho School District. As I cannot attend tonight's meeting, I request that this statement be read during public comment.

I am writing to express serious concerns about the proposed renaming of Cantiague Elementary School. The rushed nature of this proposal, the apparent conflicts of interest involving district officials, and the lack of proper community input raise significant legal and ethical questions that must be addressed before any decision is made.

I strongly urge the Board to:

1. Vote to immediately remove the renaming proposal from the agenda and terminate any further consideration of this matter
2. Establish clear procedures for considering such proposals
3. Ensure full transparency and proper community input
4. Address the identified conflicts of interest
5. Consider alternative ways to honor educational leaders while preserving our historical heritage

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Moving Forward
Our community's engagement in this process is crucial, particularly given the concerning pattern of PTA leadership acting as an extension of the administration rather than as an independent voice for parents and students. The current situation extends beyond the renaming proposal to a fundamental issue of proper governance and accountability. PTA bylaws exist to ensure independent parent representation, not to serve as a rubber stamp for administrative initiatives. The growing support for our petition, now at 249 signatures, demonstrates that our community demands restoration of proper checks and balances and independent parent advocacy.
This moment requires more than just addressing a single proposal - it calls for reestablishing the proper role and independence of parent organizations in our district. The PTA must return to its core mission of representing parent and student interests rather than merely advancing administrative agendas. We call for immediate restoration of proper bylaws enforcement and the reestablishment of genuine parent representation in all district matters.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available. YOUR VOICE MATTERS in this important decision affecting our school district's future.

Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.

More updates will be published on https://jerichovoice.com/