Medina Schools Superintendent arrested

[Dedicated teachers]

Oak Orchard Parent wrote:

I am sorry I wrote lazy. I did not mean it like that. I just hope everything just works out for everyone. Compromise is probably on the horizon. Let's find it. Is the PTSA strong anymore? Do not hear too much about it. Or maybe there is a lack of parental support that gets the teachers frustrated as well. Lets help our kids push strong educational strides throughout their academic careers. We all have to work on this together. Administration, Teachers, & Parents. We can do it!

Thanks for the retreat from the word "lazy." The average person has no idea how hard working most of the teachers are in the district. Yes, we all need to compromise and work together. Positive parental support is crucial to the successful education of children. Some of the commentary in this webspace has gotten rather rough at times but the air has to be cleared of suspicions before the district can move forward. Personally, I think all these accusations about Mr. Ballard are false but the Board should probably take a look at it. Mr. Galante has to go. The public needs to get in touch with the Board of Education and talk to them. Empower the Board. I think there are some excellent people on the Board now. In the past, some of them have fallen asleep during the meetings! Whoever is the new superintendent is needs to know that he or she is accountable to the Board, to the parents, to the teachers, and most importantly to the students. I think the superintendents in recent history forgot their service role. They looked upon themselves as kings and queens and did not feel that need to really and truly care about the Medina community. Medina has been used by people unwilling to live here but willing to take a big paycheck from here. Administrators have looked upon Medina as a stepping stone to bigger places. Medina is a great place to live and work and stay forever.

[MHS employee]

I cannot believe what I am reading this late at night. Funny thing is I am aware of most of this but never thought so many people had comments. This is astonishing. I hope everybody gets what is deserved though. Sad that Galante will probably just get a slap on the wrist, a fine, and lose some kind of license to his name, but, does he even have a teaching or administration certificate from anywhere? It is sad what I work in everyday throughout the school year. Hope there will be right actions taken with the situation at hand.

[Oak Orchard Parent]

Agreed. I do not know too much about the Mr. Ballard thing either but there seems to be suspicion so rightfully so should be checked out. What about the PTSA like I questioned about? What happened to that? It was big about 15-20 years ago. What happened?

[recent highschool grad]

Alot of us students know way too much but do not open our mouths because we are afraid. Maybe we should start. Maybe I will start. I hope mr. galante gets his. his name is on my diploma!!!! how do i explain this one to future employers or classmates in college next year??? i am sure I will be questioned.

[Loves Medina]

MHS employee wrote:

I cannot believe what I am reading this late at night. Funny thing is I am aware of most of this but never thought so many people had comments. This is astonishing. I hope everybody gets what is deserved though. Sad that Galante will probably just get a slap on the wrist, a fine, and lose some kind of license to his name, but, does he even have a teaching or administration certificate from anywhere? It is sad what I work in everyday throughout the school year. Hope there will be right actions taken with the situation at hand.

It is unlikely that Mr. Galante will face jail time. He should have any educational certificates taken from him & will not be able to work in NY State. I do not know about other states but one can Google him now and his arrest comes up right away. This should discourage any offers for jobs in education at least. As for a fine, I do not know. He will lose his job in Medina because of all the public humiliation and the lack of support he would receive should he return to his position as superintendent. He made himself the "laughing-stock" of the entire district after 8 years of insulting others with his hurtful and vulgar humor. I think the public humiliation not only in Medina but in all the surrounding small towns as well as in the Rochester and Buffalo area is a punishment equal to his lying. His mug shot was on all the TV stations for at least 2 days. A large Medina contingent of parents and students should show up at his August 14th , 7:30 pm hearing at the Shelby Town Court. He has evidently said demeaning comments in the past about the hick town of Medina....well, now he does not have to work here any more. We do not want him here. Unfortunately, with is just renewed 5-year contract with the district, he may be able to suck a considerable chunk of money out of the district despite the fact that he lied under written oath on his resume. Time will tell. Come September, the schools will reopen. By October, this will all be history.

[Grow Up]

I find it incredibly sad how an entire community can rally around how shocking and unfortunate it is that we get slapped in the face with the news that our superintendent has deceived us all, and yet a select few feel they must stray from the issue at hand and focus their worries and spend their wee hours of the night sitting on their computers SLANDERING someone ELSE'S name who has NOTHING to do with Galante. Shut up, grow up, and get a life! Clearly none of you have any of the facts. Mr. Ballard is a wonderful teacher who devotes his LIFE to those kids, and you people have the audacity to doubt that? On top of the fact that this forum has nothing to do with him, you (mother of two, mother of three) are clearly gullible enough to believe every ounce of ridiculous rumor-mill, small town drama that you hear and it's sad. Very sad. If you're so bold as to put your nameless selves on a message board and slander someone anonymously without actually having ANY facts, why don't you march on in and ask him yourselves? You won't. And why? Because you KNOW you're wrong. This is just another outlet for you to spread your bull, and for what purpose? You will accomplish nothing, especially because this is a board about Galante's investigation, not somewhere to spackle your unwarranted hatred for someone who does so much. Galante worked very little, lied, and got caught. Mr. Ballard works hard, does NOT lie, and is a victim because of you people. And you would know that if you took the time to actually speak to him get to know him, just as you would realize how shady Galante is if you had met him. Ah yes, Galante! That's who this news story and investigation is about...

Medina is a wonderful small community littered with obsessive high school-like behavior and gossip, and it doesn't matter what age you are because obviously from the near-400 comments on this blog, you are all GUILTY (excluding those of you actually focusing on the topic: Galante). So please, for the sake of all, stop wasting your time on defamation and worry about the fact that your town, your childrens' school, your tax dollars are being exploited on the Buffalo and Rochester news because of GALANTE. NOT the band director. Get YOUR heads out of the sand, step away from your computers, and do something productive rather than worry yourselves with unrelated vilification. People like you and Galante are what give poor Medina a bad name.

Seriously. Grow up and set an example.

[Teacher]

Grow Up wrote:

I find it incredibly sad how an entire community can rally around how shocking and unfortunate it is that we get slapped in the face with the news that our superintendent has deceived us all, and yet a select few feel they must stray from the issue at hand and focus their worries and spend their wee hours of the night sitting on their computers SLANDERING someone ELSE'S name who has NOTHING to do with Galante. Shut up, grow up, and get a life! Clearly none of you have any of the facts. Mr. Ballard is a wonderful teacher who devotes his LIFE to those kids, and you people have the audacity to doubt that? On top of the fact that this forum has nothing to do with him, you (mother of two, mother of three) are clearly gullible enough to believe every ounce of ridiculous rumor-mill, small town drama that you hear and it's sad. Very sad. If you're so bold as to put your nameless selves on a message board and slander someone anonymously without actually having ANY facts, why don't you march on in and ask him yourselves? You won't. And why? Because you KNOW you're wrong. This is just another outlet for you to spread your bull, and for what purpose? You will accomplish nothing, especially because this is a board about Galante's investigation, not somewhere to spackle your unwarranted hatred for someone who does so much. Galante worked very little, lied, and got caught. Mr. Ballard works hard, does NOT lie, and is a victim because of you people. And you would know that if you took the time to actually speak to him get to know him, just as you would realize how shady Galante is if you had met him. Ah yes, Galante! That's who this news story and investigation is about...
Medina is a wonderful small community littered with obsessive high school-like behavior and gossip, and it doesn't matter what age you are because obviously from the near-400 comments on this blog, you are all GUILTY (excluding those of you actually focusing on the topic: Galante). So please, for the sake of all, stop wasting your time on defamation and worry about the fact that your town, your childrens' school, your tax dollars are being exploited on the Buffalo and Rochester news because of GALANTE. NOT the band director. Get YOUR heads out of the sand, step away from your computers, and do something productive rather than worry yourselves with unrelated vilification. People like you and Galante are what give poor Medina a bad name.
Seriously. Grow up and set an example.

Well said!

[Medina Resident]

Grow Up wrote:

I find it incredibly sad how an entire community can rally around how shocking and unfortunate it is that we get slapped in the face with the news that our superintendent has deceived us all, and yet a select few feel they must stray from the issue at hand and focus their worries and spend their wee hours of the night sitting on their computers SLANDERING someone ELSE'S name who has NOTHING to do with Galante. Shut up, grow up, and get a life! Clearly none of you have any of the facts. Mr. Ballard is a wonderful teacher who devotes his LIFE to those kids, and you people have the audacity to doubt that? On top of the fact that this forum has nothing to do with him, you (mother of two, mother of three) are clearly gullible enough to believe every ounce of ridiculous rumor-mill, small town drama that you hear and it's sad. Very sad. If you're so bold as to put your nameless selves on a message board and slander someone anonymously without actually having ANY facts, why don't you march on in and ask him yourselves? You won't. And why? Because you KNOW you're wrong. This is just another outlet for you to spread your bull, and for what purpose? You will accomplish nothing, especially because this is a board about Galante's investigation, not somewhere to spackle your unwarranted hatred for someone who does so much. Galante worked very little, lied, and got caught. Mr. Ballard works hard, does NOT lie, and is a victim because of you people. And you would know that if you took the time to actually speak to him get to know him, just as you would realize how shady Galante is if you had met him. Ah yes, Galante! That's who this news story and investigation is about...
Medina is a wonderful small community littered with obsessive high school-like behavior and gossip, and it doesn't matter what age you are because obviously from the near-400 comments on this blog, you are all GUILTY (excluding those of you actually focusing on the topic: Galante). So please, for the sake of all, stop wasting your time on defamation and worry about the fact that your town, your childrens' school, your tax dollars are being exploited on the Buffalo and Rochester news because of GALANTE. NOT the band director. Get YOUR heads out of the sand, step away from your computers, and do something productive rather than worry yourselves with unrelated vilification. People like you and Galante are what give poor Medina a bad name.
Seriously. Grow up and set an example.

Exactly what needed to be said!

[Sanborn dude]

Pay back time D@ckhead

[wow]

From where i'm sitting.. is it gossip, is it fact who knows. I do no sometimes people are afraid to speak out and so they take advantage of a situation such as this one, others are deviants. What i do know is that after this tragic event settles down, just as in any other small town - things need to change. We need administrators that are going to hold people accountable from the children to the staff and the parents. Were tax payers of this community, we should of been demanding that much. Obviously it needs to start at the top (BOE) and work its way down. Rules, policies and procedures look good on paper but what good are they if there not enforced. They need to apply to everyone and not a chosen few, this is where the bulk of the problems lie. Ive lived in this community for many years and my children attended school here, i think its a wonderful school system with a few "minor" glitches.

[some truth to it]

Think about it though. There's been quite a few people on here who seemingly don't know one another talking about the same rumors. Personally, I don't know anyone who works for the school or goes to school or has anything to do with the band, but I've heard the rumors. But instead of intensely defending or making accusations or attacking one another, let's just let it go and know that all rumors have some basis in truth. Some claim that it will all come to light soon, so let's drop it and wait and see.
Indeed, if there is anything important left to be said, let it focus again on Galante. There have been a lot of good questions raised in some of the posts that I would like to see some answers to and a lot of good information has been posted. Focus people, focus!

[Man With No Name]

just curious wrote:

Is it true that one of the people who commented in a news article and happened to be an employee of the MCSD, was asked to resign or face dismissal?

Stop trying to stifle free speech, guaranteed under the First Amendment. Also, I hope the employees of Medina CSD continue to speak out so that the truth may be known. Don't be wimps!

[Medina Resident]

some truth to it wrote:

Think about it though. There's been quite a few people on here who seemingly don't know one another talking about the same rumors. Personally, I don't know anyone who works for the school or goes to school or has anything to do with the band, but I've heard the rumors. But instead of intensely defending or making accusations or attacking one another, let's just let it go and know that all rumors have some basis in truth. Some claim that it will all come to light soon, so let's drop it and wait and see.
Indeed, if there is anything important left to be said, let it focus again on Galante. There have been a lot of good questions raised in some of the posts that I would like to see some answers to and a lot of good information has been posted. Focus people, focus!

I think a lot of the negative posting is coming from one or two people posting under different names. Galante is the one who has been arrested lets do focus on the facts at hand.

[wow]

I know many people that work for the district, i no many children who attend this district and i have heard all of these rumors over and over again, these are not new. No building can be left out they all have there own problems, some more than others. If nothing else comes out of this perhaps a tightening of the belt is necessary regardless of the position that you hold and yes parents in the community, tax payers - you all have a certain responsiblity for what has happened here too, silence is acceptance.

[Man With No Name]

recent highschool grad wrote:

Alot of us students know way too much but do not open our mouths because we are afraid. Maybe we should start. Maybe I will start. I hope mr. galante gets his. his name is on my diploma!!!! how do i explain this one to future employers or classmates in college next year??? i am sure I will be questioned.

Speak out, and speak the truth boldly@

[Man With No Name]

Friend of Rich wrote:

I am so upset with all of these comments for my dear friend Rich. He has been through so much in his life:drugs, gambling, prostitution, forgery,embezzlement, and now this. Why don't you people leave him alone and realize he is a troubled individual who was simply trying to clean himself up. So, he fluffed his resume a bit,exaggerated a few positions, and now he is a criminal. Good thing they never did a fingerprint check on him when we was hired?????

If you know something about this individual, don't hold back. Let's have it all!!!

[Man With No Name]

wow wrote:

I know many people that work for the district, i no many children who attend this district and i have heard all of these rumors over and over again, these are not new. No building can be left out they all have there own problems, some more than others. If nothing else comes out of this perhaps a tightening of the belt is necessary regardless of the position that you hold and yes parents in the community, tax payers - you all have a certain responsiblity for what has happened here too, silence is acceptance.

Indeed, silence is acceptance. Remember the words of Edmund Burke.

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.-Edmund Burke

[Man With No Name]

wow wrote:

I know many people that work for the district, i no many children who attend this district and i have heard all of these rumors over and over again, these are not new. No building can be left out they all have there own problems, some more than others. If nothing else comes out of this perhaps a tightening of the belt is necessary regardless of the position that you hold and yes parents in the community, tax payers - you all have a certain responsiblity for what has happened here too, silence is acceptance.

Indeed, silence is acceptance. Remember the words of Edmund Burke.

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."-Edmund Burke

[wait and see]

well said.
lets all just sit back and see what happens many will be surprised in both aspects

[grow up]

i think this should all focus back on Galante, but...

hey, this person who keeps sticking up for a certain individual on here and keeps changing these nicknames, better stop. I dont mean the mother of 2 or 3 or whatever. We all know who you are though. you should just chill out, face the facts, and bring your son another sandwich at school.