Springs Hires Administrator

The Springs School District has received approval from the New York State Education Department to bring on a retired school official as its interim business administrator and treasurer.

Carl O. Fraser, an administrator who recently retired after more than 20 years as an assistant superintendent for finance, transportation, and facilities management in several districts, will be able to work through June, having received a waiver from regulations governing retirees, which will allow him to earn more than $30,000 in a given calendar year. Prior to his appointment, on Aug. 24, Mr. Fraser had been a consultant on special projects for the district.

“He’s going to really do an excellent job for the district,” said John J. Finello, the Springs superintendent, who worked with Mr. Fraser in the East Islip School District. “He brings a different perspective to the job that will benefit the Springs students, parents, and taxpayers.”

Mr. Fraser will earn $750 per day. As of Monday,  Mr. Fraser’s first official day at Springs, there were 175 school days left in the year, meaning he may earn up to $131,250. He also receives pension benefits from the state’s Teachers Retirement System, but will not receive paid vacation or sick days, medical benefits, or retirement contributions from Springs.

Mr. Fraser succeeds Tom Primiano, who left this month to become an assistant superintendent in the Westbury School District. Mr. Primiano, who spent three years with Springs, most recently earned an annual salary of $90,000. According to an announcement from the district, it had received more than 110 applications for the position. Seven applicants were interviewed and “no suitable candidates resulted from these interviews.”