Principal of Special Programs and Projects David Pearlman returned to work yesterday after a three year absence from the campus at Cooperstown Central School.

Pearlman will be returning after three months of suspension without pay stemming from a 3020-a hearing in which a hearing officer found him guilty of insubordination and conduct unbecoming a principal. Pearlman initially took medical leave for depression in April of 1999. When he returned that November, the school board brought him up on disciplinary charges. State law dictates that hearings be held on consecutive days, but the twenty-one days of hearings stretched out over two and a half years.

The Cooperstown Central School board of education restructured their administrative team last Wednesday, officially appointing Pearlman to the newly created position. The board also consolidated the positions of athletic director and middle school principal. Michael Cring, who served as acting middle school principal in Pearlman's absence, was appointed to the post for a salary of $76,960.

"I hope I can go back and not act as though this never happened, but I don't plan on dwelling on it either," Pearlman said.

Pearlman initially said when the job was created that he would take it until "an appeal was completed." Now he said he plans to "come back as positive as he can," learn the responsibilities of his new job and see what happens down the road.

"I'm hoping to put this whole thing behind us, and I'm going to do what I have to do. It's probably going to take a long time to learn all the components of this new position. I will make as much of a positive contribution to the district as I can," said Pearlman.

School board member Mark Rathbun said at the meeting last week that the position of middle school principal is not a twelve month job and that the duties Cring has been simultaneously performing complement one another. Kelly Branigan, school board president, said, "We have a person who is able to fill both positions and nothing has been lost from either position."

Members of the CCS staff and community turned out to voice opinions about the changes.

Angus Mackie said he is posing a "plea for healing."

Board member Betsy DelGiacco-Jay, a minister, said she's done a lot of thinking about the situation.

"David came in here as an innovator at a time when the whole concept of middle school was very much in question. One of the things that strikes me is that if anyone can do a good job under skepticism, it's David."

Anthony Scalici, school board member, said the more the board looked at the situation, the more they saw an opportunity for expansion. He cited steeper state mandates as one reason for the creation of the position.

"This is not a meaningless make-work position," Scalici said. "It's an important step for a number of reasons."

He suggested that other schools can use this move as a model for how to increase their own access to grants and other improvements.

Sandra Bernegger said that the creation of the new position is "foolhardy."

Dr. Paul Tirrell, a staunch supporter of Pearlman's from the beginning, said the "campaign against Pearlman is likely illegal and will wind up costing the district in the civil suit."

Pearlman's attorney Louis Patack said two weeks ago that the civil suit against the district is still in the discovery phase and that at this time Pearlman has no intention of dropping it.

Laura Bliss said she supports the board and the administration. Teacher Ginger Heitz agreed with her.

On Monday morning, elementary school principal Teresa Gorman expressed her wishes for a seamless transition, stating that Pearlman is knowledgeable and can greatly help the district attain additional funds and pave the way for greater coffers and understanding of state mandates and curriculum concerns.

"We're going to welcome him," she said. "We just want to get back to the business of teaching."

District superintendent Mary Jo McPhail echoed Gorman's optimism.

"We're anticipating a smooth transition," McPhail said. "We're also optimistic about the creation of the new position because it has tremendous potential to enhance the school program and revenue picture."

Pearlman's office, she said, will be in the main office complex at the middle/high school.