Justin Murphy

@citizenmurphy

Two top West Irondequoit administrators were on paid leave for two months this year and are leaving the school district for unknown reasons, according to documents released by the district Wednesday.

Tamara Lipke, the assistant superintendent for district and school accountability, and Linda McGinley, the associate superintendent for instruction, were both absent from work from Feb. 3 through April 3. Both have since signed separation agreements with the district effective June 30.

A district spokeswoman declined to comment on the two administrators' job status when asked April 3. In response to a Freedom of Information request from the Democrat and Chronicle, the district Wednesday released redacted copies of the separation agreements and attendance logs for Lipke and McGinley.

The agreements, dated March 27, give no reason for the separation and bind all parties to silence on the topic. Lipke and McGinley, both of whom worked in the district for more than 20 years, did not respond to requests for comment in early April.

Lipke is now on administrative leave and will formally resign June 30; McGinley is now working on "special projects" for the district, including helping with a possible transition to full-day kindergarten, and will retire the same date.

"They both have made an impact on West Irondequoit's outstanding academic achievement and they both made some personal decisions, one to resign and one to retire," said Tim Terranova, the assistant superintendent for finance and personnel.

Both were paid during their two-month absences, according to Terranova. He said they were not "suspended" at that time.

As severance, Lipke will be paid her current salary of $134,000 for one year after her departure, according to her agreement. She can claim up to $5,000 for career placement services and is being reimbursed an unspecified amount for legal fees.

West Irondequoit Superintendent Jeffrey Crane also provided her with a glowing letter of recommendation that described her as a "caring, conscientious and dedicated educator" who was "able to withstand conflicting pressures that many times come with less than total agreement (among) different adult constituencies."

McGinley also is eligible for a full year of severance pay at her salary, $170,000, if she agrees to sign another waiver, the specifics of which were redacted.

Starting next year, Lipke's position will be merged into another existing position, director of technology, Terranova said. McGinley's position will be split into two, with one director of instruction for K-6 and another for 7-12.

"As everyone is across the community in this economy, people will pick up a little more to do," Terranova said, noting other adminstration positions also will be consolidated.

JMURPHY7@DemocratandChronicle.com

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