The Great Neck Library announced Thursday that Ethan Mann has resigned as director of the Levels teen program, a position that he has been rumored to have been fired from.
“Ethan Mann, Director of the Levels Program at the Great Neck Library, has decided to pursue other interests and has submitted his resignation,” the library said in a statement Thursday that listed Library interim director Chris Johnson as the contract.
“The library thanks him for his years of service to the community, and wishes him success in his future endeavors,” the release went on to say. “The library appreciates all of the input it has received from the community with regard to the Levels program.”
Mann said he could not say why he resigned as Levels director or what he plans to do now.
“I have resigned my employment from the Great Neck Library,” he said.
Library Board of Trustees President Marietta DiCamillo said she could not comment on why Mann resigned, saying it was a personnel issue.
DiCamillo said the library board will look to find an interim Levels director.
“The program will not change, it is fully funded,” DiCamillo said of Levels. “I’m a firm believer in Levels, I have said publicly I’d like to see it spruced up.”
She said Johnson will be in charge of Levels for the time being.
For weeks, Levels teens, parents and alumni have been pressing the library board for answers on Mann’s status as Levels director, with many forming protests at library board committee meetings and a full business meeting Tuesday. The board has each time said they will not comment on personnel matters.
At the board’s business meeting Tuesday, a nearly packed room of concerned Levels teens, parents and alumni asked the board what Mann’s status was, if he was fired, who is charge of Levels and if the board was still paying Mann’s salary.
Kenneth Gray, the library board’s attorney, responded by saying the board will not comment on personnel issues. Efforts to reach Gray were unavailing.
After rumors began circulating in April that Mann had been fired, a petition was created on the website change.com called “Bring Ethan Back, which garnered more than 1,000 signatures. A copy of the petition was given the Johnson earlier this month.
The library said in the release that it appreciated all the community input it received regarding the Levels program.
“The board recognizes the importance of Levels and will continue to support it fully in order to maintain the energy and excitement it generates,” the library said in the release. “Full funding for the program remains in place, and an outstanding staff remains committed to working with all participants.”
Johnson said in late April the library had a confidential discussion with Mann and that the discussion will remain confidential.
