I am pleased to have been informed on July 8, 2022, that the investigation previously opened by the Office of State Review has been closed without incident.  As a result of the closure, there will be no hearing required and I remain in good standing with no effect on my administrative certification. 

The Office of State Review is responsible for conducting investigations upon receipt of a Part 83 complaint to determine if a question exists as to the moral character of a certified individual or an applicant. If it is determined that such a question does exist, the matter is referred for a hearing.  

Part 83 complaints are intended to remain private in order to maintain the integrity of the investigative process and to ensure that no one is deprived of their right to an impartial adjudication.

In this instance, the Part 83 complaint became public when the district submitted a public filing on May 13, 2022 denying Newsday’s FOIA request for the investigative file citing the lack “of any disciplinary findings, charges, reprimands, determinations or employment actions against Dr. Butera.” The district wrote that disclosure would thus constitute “an unwarranted invasion of Dr. Butera’s privacy.”

Given the closure of the matter by the Office of State Review, their conclusion is consistent with the original decision of the Manhasset Board of Education 18 months ago that discipline was not warranted; the board’s public comment in May 2021 that their decision was “the right one;” and the board’s Feb. 14, 2022, public statement reaffirming those sentiments.

For anyone in a leadership position, it is disconcerting to have unsubstantiated claims become a source of hurtful speculation and misinformation. While it is not known who did file the complaint here, it was not filed by either the district or superintendent.

As difficult as the past year has been, I am pleased to have been vindicated and am grateful for the outpouring of support throughout this ordeal. I am grateful to the trustees who wrote letters of support on my behalf.  Now that the matter has been fully resolved, I look forward to pursuing opportunities to continue to positively impact and improve the lives of students.