Mr. Colon's resignation will be effective June 30.

Rumors surrounding Mr. Colon's abrupt reassignment June 9 to the district office were not addressed this week by Shoreham-Wading River Board of Education members and school officials. Board members did, however, unanimously approve a resolution during their Tuesday-night meeting to appoint former high school assistant principal Daniel Holtzman as acting principal of the high school until June 30.

"It's a personnel matter, so we cannot comment on it," Superintendent Harriet Copel said of Mr. Colon's departure from the high school. Mr. Colon did not return phone calls to the district office from a Sun reporter seeking comment on his reassignment. Dr. Copel responded in lieu of Mr. Colon and said he could not speak to the press without her permission.

Mr. Holtzman began his stint as acting principal on June 9. That same day, Dr. Copel sent a brief letter to district parents saying Mr. Colon had been reassigned to the district office for the remainder of the school year. As of that date, the remainder of the school year consisted of five days of classes, 10 days of finals, and Regents testing.

"During this time, the high school will be managed by Assistant Principal Dan Holtzman together with our central office administrative team, who will all ensure that the school year is completed without disruption," Dr. Copel wrote.

During Tuesday night's meeting, board members unanimously approved a three-year contract for Dr. Copel. The superintendent will receive a $12,000 raise next year, increasing her salary to $207,229. According to the new contract, she will receive a 6 percent increase in each of three years. She currently makes $194,948.

"She works 80 hours a week, so this is well deserved," board president Michael Fucito said. "I don't think the public will have a problem with it."

Dr. Copel is the 67th highest-paid superintendent on Long Island, according to data reported to the state. At $194,948, Dr. Copel makes less than Mount Sinai Superintendent Jon Van Eyk, who earned $218,000 this year, but more than the superintendents at Longwood, Rocky Point and Miller Place.

Dr. Copel said bills passed Tuesday by the state Assembly and Senate will raise the district's building aid from about 30 percent to about 52 percent.

"We have to thank Sen. [Kenneth] LaValle and Assemblyman Marc Alessi for working on our behalf," Dr. Copel said. "It's a significant increase. It's very, very good news."

The increase won't become effective until Gov. David Paterson signs the bills.

During Tuesday night's meeting, Dr. Copel recognized outgoing board members Michael Yannucci, Russ Hampel and Stuart Krupin. They will be replaced by William McGrath, Jack Costas and Robert Alcorn, all of whom ran for the board unopposed.

Dr. Copel praised Mr. Yannucci for completing his master's in elementary education and literacy while serving on the board, which he has been on since 2005. A graduate of Shoreham-Wading River High School and SUNY/Oneonta, Mr. Yannucci was the youngest member of the board. He was 21 years old when elected, and ran for the board while completing his senior year at college.

Having spent six years on the board, Mr. Hampel is the longest-serving of the three departing individuals. Board members, residents and Dr. Copel praised Mr. Hampel for "always thinking about the children."

"No matter what we do, you always ask what's good for the children, will this work for the children," Dr. Copel said to Mr. Hampel.

Mr. Krupin leaves after spending three years on the board. He also served on the board from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Krupin, an attorney, had been nominated by Mr. Yannucci to be board president this past year, but lost to Mr. Fucito. He also was nominated, again by Mr. Yannucci, for the vice presidency. He lost that bid to former board president Scott Ericson.

"You always asked insightful, important questions," Dr. Copel said to Mr. Krupin.

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