Readers Write: Before you jump off the Glickman cliff, read this

The Island Now

In Michael Glickman’s parade of letters to the editor, he has accused two board of education members, one now deceased, of a litany of misdeeds including having an “inexpert approach to financial oversight and management,” employing “intimidation,” wondering if they have “blurred lines and engaged district employees in re-election efforts” and, the most damning attack of all, questioning if they really care about the children of today’s district since their own children have long ago graduated.

Who is this guy? What are the stellar attributes he would bring to the board of education?

A quick Google search reveals that in September of 2016, he was hired by the prestigious institution, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, as their president and CEO.

By December of 2017, a lawsuit was filed against him and the museum by its CFO, Mohad Athar, charging that Glickman had harassed him, fired him, and discriminated against him based upon his race, religion, and national origin and retaliated against him in violation of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. Mr. Athar is Muslim.

In March of 2018, the court issued an order of discontinuance, saying “It having been reported to the court that this case has been or will be settled.” By 2019, Mr. Glickman was no longer employed at the museum.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Glickman was harshly chastising Donald Ashkenase in a public letter; now, after Mr. Askenase’s untimely death, he is praising him, vowing to follow in his footsteps.

It is quite easy to throw out unsubstantiated criticisms in spite of the fact that there has never been even a whiff of scandal in the school district for the past 40 years; it is quite easy to add up the money spent to run a school district for the past 40 years and try to shock folks with the big number; however, it is very difficult to lead a complex operation like a school district and, at the same time, provide a well-rounded education for a diverse population of children with varying levels of educational needs.

This complex operation requires strategic planning, understanding of the laws and mandates affecting education, being pro-active in improving the infrastructure of the grounds and buildings, safeguarding staff and students from a worldwide virus, establishing and maintaining congenial relationships throughout the organization and the broader community, honoring the confidentiality of student and staff, and having a healthy dose of diplomacy, compassion, and humility to guide a school district.

Mr. Glickman has not demonstrated any of these qualities.

Mr. Glickman’s default tone is one of derision, arrogance, and immaturity. There is a sentence in one of his many letters, however, that I fully agree with: “Remember, the future of the district will be on the next ballot.”

Barbara Berkowitz has the temperament, intellect, experience, commitment, and the heart to guide the school district as we enter the post-pandemic future and whatever challenges face us.

Carol Frank
Great Neck
Former Reporter, Great Neck Record

 

Share this Article