The March 20 vote to rename Cantiague Elementary is not a democratic decision—it’s a sham orchestrated by a select few Board members who are determined to push this through, regardless of process, policy, or public opposition.
This is not governance. This is a coordinated effort by a handful of insiders to erase the name of Cantiague Elementary without a formal policy, without financial transparency, and without real community input.
While not all Board members support this, a small group is driving the decision, while others are either being shut out or outnumbered.
The Sham Timeline: How This Was Manipulated from the Start
Step 1: Make the decision in secret, then force it on the public
- January 23, 2025: PTA Council President Aileen Gingold and Jericho Educational Foundation leadership appear before the Board to propose renaming Cantiague Elementary.
- That same night, Board Vice President Jill Citron moves immediately to advance the proposal to the February agenda—no discussion, no community input.
Step 2: Manipulate public comment to manufacture “support”
- February 11, 2025: At the Board meeting, not a single voice of opposition is presented by Victor Manuel—a statistical impossibility given widespread community concern.
- Citron openly admits to soliciting only positive feedback.
- The Board dismisses all concerns about historical preservation, governance failures, and procedural transparency.
Step 3: Ram the vote through before the community can stop it
- March 20, 2025: The Board has scheduled the final vote, even though: There is no formal school renaming policy.
- Public engagement has been manipulated.
- No financial impact statement has been released.
- The historical significance of the Cantiague name has been ignored.
No Policy, No Process, Just a Power Play
At the last meeting, Citron admitted that no renaming policy existed but promised the Board would create one after they force this change through.
This means the Board is making a major, irreversible decision with zero written guidelines or process. There are no criteria, no waiting period, and no transparency. This is not governance—it’s pure political maneuvering.
The Resolution Being Voted on Thursday
This pre-written tribute resolution is being pushed through as if community input never existed:
WHEREAS, Henry L. Grishman is retiring after 30 years of exceptional service as Superintendent of the Jericho Union Free School District. During his tenure, he displayed an unwavering commitment to the growth and success of Jericho's students, staff, and the community and has made a truly lasting impact. His leadership, vision, and dedication to excellence have shaped the District into what it is today, fostering an environment where learning, warmth, and innovation thrive. The Board of Education desires to recognize and honor Mr. Grishman for his contributions and 30 years of dedication and service to the District by renaming Cantiague Elementary School after him. By renaming the school, Mr. Grishman's legacy will continue to inspire all those who have had the privilege of working alongside him and future generations to come. We thank him for his tireless efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Cantiague Elementary School should be renamed and known as the Henry L. Grishman Elementary School effective July 1, 2025.
This is a coronation, not a governance decision.
If This Vote Passes, Legal Action is the Next Step
The Board has used legal means to challenge state-mandated regionalization, arguing for proper procedure and community rights.
That same legal framework can and will be used against the Board if they force through this renaming without following legitimate governance processes.
If the Board chooses to ignore:
- Public input,
- Historical preservation,
- Transparency in financial impact,
- And the absence of a clear renaming policy…
Then the same legal tools used to challenge state overreach can be used to hold this Board accountable for its actions.
This process has been rushed, manipulated, and predetermined—but a vote does not make it legitimate.
Take Action Now – Email the Board and Victor Manuel
Make your voice heard before Thursday’s vote. Email the Board and Superintendent Victor Manuel to demand transparency, a proper renaming policy before any decision is made, and real public input:
📧 Board of Education: BOEQuestions@jerichoschools.org
📧 Assistant Superintendent Business Affairs: Victor Manuel: vmanuel@jerichoschools.org
Email Template: Demand Accountability Before the Vote
Subject: Demand for Transparency and Public Input Before Renaming Vote
Dear Board of Education Members,
I am writing to express my deep concern over the proposed renaming of Cantiague Elementary School. This process has been flawed from the start, and forcing a vote without a formal school renaming policy in place is a serious governance failure.
If renaming a school is truly a necessary step, then a clear policy should have been established before any decision was made. Instead, the Board is voting on this issue with no documented criteria, no financial impact report, and no genuine public engagement.
I urge you to do the right thing:
- Delay the vote until a formal school renaming policy is established.
- Provide full transparency on the financial and historical impact of this decision.
- Engage the community in a real discussion before moving forward.
The rushed nature of this vote, coupled with the clear lack of a process, is unacceptable. I request that you put governance and community trust ahead of personal agendas and political maneuvering.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address (optional)]
[Your Email]