The Grand Island School Board accepted the resignation Friday ofFrank J. Cannata, the former Charlotte Sidway Elementary principalwho pleaded guilty in July to drug possession.
This clears the way for the district to seek a permanentreplacement, Superintendent Thomas Ramming said.
Henry Peters, a former administrator in the Williamsville SchoolDistrict, has been serving as Sidway's interim principal since lastJanuary, a month after federal agents charged Cannata, 41,possessing Ecstasy and crystal methamphetamine.
Last fall, U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr.sentenced Cannata to two years' probation.
Cannata had been suspended with pay immediately after his arrest.He stopped drawing his paycheck -- but remained suspended -- inFebruary, after the school board learned he was not certified to bea principal. The board could not replace him until he resigned orwas terminated.
The district will advertise for a replacement in hopes of fillingthe post by April 24, Ramming said.
In other business during the special meeting Friday afternoon,the school board also accepted the resignation of a teachingassistant at Veronica E. Connor Middle School, effective Oct. 14,when he will become eligible to retire.
He had been placed on a paid administrative leave in May, afterallegations that he acted inappropriately with students.
Sheriff's Department investigators did not file charges, and thedistrict did not file disciplinary charges.
Also Friday, the school board approved a two-year extension ofthe teachers contract, which had been set to expire in August 2007.
Teachers agreed to move to a single health insurance plan,Independent Health Flex Fit, and contribute toward its cost, savingthe district $200,000 this year and $400,000 each of the followingyears, Ramming said.
The contract extension includes a 1.2 percent salary increase in2007-08 and a 1.4 percent increase the next year. Teachers with morethan 20 years service will get a $500 stipend.
e-mail: mpasciak@buffnews.com
