Superintendents Put Psychologist In Bathroom

by Stewart Lilker

The Freeport school district's lead psychologist, Dr. Mark Summers, has had his office installed in the handicapped bathroom in the district's administration building. Two years ago, under the direction of superintendent Moffett and her assistant, Kishore Kuncham, her office was moved upstairs along with that of Kuncham's, who is the assistant superintendent for business. Moffett and Kuncham oversaw the remodeling of the administration building, making no accommodation for the district's lead psychologist.

On April 5th, the Board met for a planning meeting and another one of their unannounced and unposted secret executive sessions. At this time, FreeportNYNews first realized that the it was not a mirage. Dr. Summers' office was indeed, in the bathroom.

Dr. Summers cannot lock his office or secure his computer. If he is called out of his office, his desk and all his papers are available for public scrutiny. It is impossible for him to meet in his office and not be in fear of unannounced interruptions by those in need of the handicapped bathroom.

FNYN asked Dr. Summers if he felt the superintendent or the board was making a statement by putting him in the bathroom. His comment, "no comment." FNYN also asked other administrators in the district what they thought of lead psychologist’s office being in the bathroom. None would allow their names to be used. Their remarks ranged from surprise, to what do you expect, to resignation.