The Mineola Union Free School District has placed Superintendent Dr. Michael Nagler on paid administrative leave after an independent investigation found he violated the district’s code of ethics and terms of his employment contract, the Board of Education announced this week.
At a January 8 board meeting, trustees voted to suspend Nagler through the next scheduled Board of Education meeting on Jan. 22, during which they’re expected to continue reviewing the findings of the inquiry.
Nagler, who has led the district for years, declined to comment on the investigation, saying the findings were new to him and that he needed time to review them. It remains unclear whether he plans to resign.
The investigation, conducted by outside legal counsel, began last fall after complaints from parents and community members about a controversial digital learning tool used for eighth graders called “Build Your Own Grade.””
Under the program, students used tablets to complete online lessons and video responses, starting each grading period with a zero that increased only as lessons were completed. Teachers had limited direct involvement in instruction, sparking criticism from families and educators who said the model was confusing and stressful for students.
The program was developed through a private company known as Quave LLC, which was formed last summer by Nagler and his son, according to the report. Investigators concluded Nagler failed to disclose his financial interest in the company and did not properly inform the board about its role in developing and deploying the learning system — actions that violated the district’s code of ethics and his contract.
The probe also found Nagler failed to keep the board adequately informed about administrative matters related to the project, a requirement outlined in his contract.
“It never, ever crossed my mind to ask our superintendent if volunteer service that his son was performing was going to be turned into a limited liability company,” Trustee Patrick Talty said during the meeting, according to the investigation report.
The controversial program was discontinued last fall amid mounting community pressure, and the district has since moved away from the platform.
As the board prepares to reconvene later this month, district officials say they will review the full investigative report and determine next steps. Families and residents have continued to voice strong opinions about the situation and its impact on students.