Niagara Falls School District officials were tightlipped Thursday after unanimously approving the resignation of former CSEA Union President Jeffery Pasquantino during a special session of the Board of Education.
Board President Russell Petrozzi said that Pasquantino was suspended with pay in May pending a Section 75 hearing, and is still entitled to his pension and benefits. Petrozzi said Pasquantino gave no reason for his resignation.
The Niagara Gazette first reported Thursday that a three-year investigation by the private firm Probe Services had documented the senior general repairer on more than 45 separate occasions performing private work while on district taxpayer time.
A confidential multimedia report given to the Gazette showed photographs of Pasquantino at a number of locations throughout Niagara and Erie counties, including the Boulevard Mall, Eddy J’s bar, Off Track Betting and Blockbuster Video.
A case summary from Probe stated that “during business hours Mr. Pasquantino was observed performing painting and construction projects at numerous private residences in Niagara and Erie counties.” According to the report, Pasquantino was also “observed at numerous residences and visited the same residences over periods of days and sometimes weeks.”
Following Thursday’s board meeting, Petrozzi said once the board was made aware of the situation it moved diligently to take action on the matter.
Massaro said the district spent time verifying the investigation to ensure that Pasquantino was not taking sick or personal days when he was investigated by Probe.
“As soon as the board felt there was substance to (the investigation), it acted appropriately by placing him on suspension, and turning information over the district attorney,” Petrozzi said.
District officials said the decision to pursue any criminal charges in the matter would be left to Niagara County District Attorney Michael Violante.
“I am aware of the investigation. I’ll comment on it after the (school) board takes its action,” Violante told the Gazette prior to the meeting.
Human Resources Director Phil Mohr said the former Local 7696 president’s daily tasks included overseeing laborers in the district, a job that required him to travel between different school buildings.
His salary was $54,619, meaning that during the course of his suspension he was paid more than $36,000.
School district officials said, as a laborer, Pasquantino will lose no certifications and is free to seek employment with another school district.
Pasquantino was not present at the board meeting and calls to his attorney were not answered.
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