WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. May 3, 2004, Updated  11:40 P.M.E.D.T.: The White Plains Board of Education terminated Dr.  Christine Robbins as Principal of White Plains High School tonight, effective July 1.

The action came after a one hour Executive Session which was promptly called at 7:30 and the Board trooped out to a separate room. The audience of some 60 persons by count of Michelle Schoenfeld, (Clerk to the Board of Education), sat patiently waiting to comment on the resolution on the Special Meeting agenda terminating Dr. Robbins' employment.

After listening to members of the audience, including Robert Ruger, Harry Bright, two students, a science teacher who read comments from 10 colleagues in support of Dr. Robbins, and a series of parents speak all in favor of continuing Dr. Robbins' 18-months at the high school, the Board voted 7-0 to go along with Superintendent of Schools Timothy Connors recommendation she be relieved of her duties. Dr. Robbins said she would stay at the school until July 1, when her employment ends. No reasons were given for her termination, President of the Board of Education, Donna McLaughlin said, out of respect for Dr. Robbins. Upon the vocal vote, concerned parents snarled at the Board saying "this is a disgrace, a disgrace. We'll remember this at election time."

OTHER WOMEN ADMINISTRATORS ALLEGED TO BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BY DISTRICT: Dr. Donald Robbins, husband of WPHS Principal Dr. Christine Robbins, ( in gray suit, seated with pad), questioned the Board of Education's process of evaluation of Dr. Robbins, consistent with the extensive background checks and interviewing process used to hire her and charged that they knew of other women in the School District, administrators, who alleged they were discriminated against, and asked the district to investigate, and that the school district had conducted an investigation of those allegations. Timothy Connors, Superintendent of Schools, told WCBS-TV tonight that the district had conducted an investigation which would be made public Tuesday. Dr. Robbins brother, Robert, shown to the immediate right of Dr. Robbins spoke on her behalf, saying her whole life is education, "you couldn't have a better person." Dr. Robbins told WCBS-TV tonight she had never been evaluated in her eighteen months on the job. She also alleged Connors had talked in a condescending way to her on a number of occasions "From Day One." She said to the WCBS-TV Reporter he had called her on her cellphone once when she was on-duty and asked "What are you doing? Shopping?", as an example of one of those alleged discriminatory remarks.  Photo by WPCNR News

A lawyer for Dr. Robbins, George Shebitz,  of Shebitz, Cohen & Berman, (www.shebitzlaw.com) said before the meeting that if Dr. Robbins was terminated they planned to sue the school district in federal court on the grounds of discrimination and gender bias. Dr. Robbins told WCBS-TV, she would continue on the job, and would think about getting another job tomorrow.

Mr. Shebitz revealed to WPCNR that Dr. Robbins was given notice by the Superintendent of Schools of her termination at the end of March in a 3/4 page letter containing three reasons. Shebitz said that Dr. Robbins wrote an 8-1/2 page letter to Mr. Connors in her defense, and never received a response.

Connors on Channel 2: "She wasn't fired. She was terminated." Search to begin.

Timothy Connors speaking to WPCNR tonight, after a discussion of school test scores performance, which took place after the Robbins termination was accomplished, said the search for a new principal would begin immediately. Asked what kind of Principal he was looking for, he said, "Someone who will lead the district into the future, and bring people together with the administration on a common mission -- an experienced leader able to create a collegial environment."

Connors said he had not any person as a replacement in mind. He also said the White Plains Teachers Union had no role in encouraging Dr. Robbins' dismissal. He also noted that the decision on the new principal at Ridgeway School was imminent and would be announced soon.

Why they voted yes.

Donna McLaughlin, President of the Board of Education, had no comment except to say WPCNR's handicapping of the vote in Sunday's preview report predicting the termination was untrue, and she did not appreciate it, and she did not appreciate it.

Peter Bassano, said "it was absolutely the right decision," but declined to say why.

Terence McGuire said, "I voted to support the Superintendent."

William Pollak, said he "did not want to get into it."

Susan Kirkpatrick, appeared embarrassed, and appeared to have voted to support the Superintendent.

Maria Valentin said "I am not going to comment to you."

WPCNR was unable to ask Ms. Tratoros the question.