Gagliardi reappointed days after announcing retirement

The total savings for the district accumulates to approximately $400,000 over the next three years. This is simply business decision that makes sense, both for the district from a fiduciary perspective and for Dr. Gagliardi.”

Board of Education President Becky Burfeind

SHRUB OAK, N.Y. — Meet the new boss—same as the old boss.

The Lakeland Central School District Board of Education appointed Karen Gagliardi to a new three-year term as superintendent on Aug. 14.  

Just days earlier, she had submitted her resignation in order to retire. 

“We're fortunate to have a superintendent of schools who cares deeply about the school community and the education of our children,” said Board of Education President Becky Burfeind during the board's Aug. 14 business meeting.  

Gagliardi was able to retire under a provision in the 2025-26 state budget that secured benefits for her family, Burfeind said. She added that Gagliardi has agreed to return to the position at a “significantly lower salary,” which will remain unchanged for the duration of the new three-year term.  

“The total savings for the district accumulates to approximately $400,000 over the next three years,” Burfeind said. “This is simply a business decision that makes sense, both for the district from a fiduciary perspective and for Dr. Gagliardi.” 

Not everyone was happy with the new contract. Stephen Crociata has lived in the district for 14 years and has been involved in local school and community activities, including coaching in community leagues, serving with the Lincoln Titus Elementary School PTA, and participating in Lakeland RISE, a grassroots advocacy organization. He has two children in the district’s schools, entering seventh grade at Copper Beech Middle School and first grade at Lincoln Titus Elementary School this fall. He told Yorktown News that he has long opposed what he views as a “lack of transparency” from the school board and criticized the superintendent for “masquerading her self-promotion as some sort of district benefit.”  

“The board claims this move saves the district $400,000, but that claim ignores all nuance of the situation,” he said.  

Crociata said that Gagliardi “will receive 60 percent of her previous salary in retirement, which the district has to pay into, and she will also receive additional pay on her reappointment to the position.” 

"To pretend this move does not benefit her and award her a larger sum then she would’ve received previously is playing district residents for fools," he said.

Crociata said the concept of “double dipping” has occurred in other nearby districts but criticized its acceptance despite its legality.  

“This is basically taking advantage of a loophole, not behavior I want of someone leading my school district,” Crociata said. “This district's leadership does not deserve the benefit of doubt in my mind. 

Gagliardi, the first woman to serve as superintendent, joined Lakeland in 2003. She served as assistant principal at Lincoln-Titus Elementary School, co-principal at George Washington Elementary School, and principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. She later served as president of the Association of Lakeland Administrators before being appointed assistant superintendent for instruction in 2019, overseeing curriculum and instructional leadership across the district, according to the district’s website. 

“We thank you for your tireless advocacy for our students and look forward to continuing the success,” Burfeind told Gagliardi at the meeting, who then read a statement aloud addressed to parents, staff and Lakeland community members explaining her decision. 

“Today, I want to share an important decision that directly impacts how we can serve our students. After careful consideration, I made the decision to retire after learning that I had the opportunity to do so,” she said. “This isn't just an administrative change, it is a strategic investment in our children's future.” 

Burfeind said the adjustment will allow the district to “redirect significant resources directly to our classrooms, educational programs that will support our students every day.”

This story was updated on Friday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m.