SCHENECTADY -- James Casino has resigned from the city school board amid a criminal probe into whether he and his wife broke any laws when they appeared in Facebook photos drinking alcohol among teens at their son's graduation party.
In a letter of resignation after a decade on the board, Casino cited "personal, family and professional" reasons but does not mention the controversial online pictures.
"I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Schenectady City School District, the committed administration, the accomplished faculty and dedicated staff, many of whom I've had the pleasure to work with during my decade plus of service," Casino wrote.
Well, well, well.....at least there is one who has brains enough to resign in disgrace. The question is....will others follow suit????
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
SCHENECTADY School board member resigns Four seats on seven-person panel to be filled in May BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
Embattled Schenectady school board member James Casino resigned Friday, leaving four seats on the seven-person school board to be decided in the May election. Casino, who has been a member of the school board since 1999, cited personal, family and professional reasons for stepping down, according to a school district news release. He was not available for comment. Casino came under public scrutiny in late August when photographs appeared on the Internet showing people who might be underage drinking alcohol at a graduation party at his home. The party was for Casino’s son Jimmy, who graduated from Schenectady High School in June. The pictures, posted on Facebook but since removed, included photos of Hamilton Elementary sixth-grade teacher Donna Casino and others being held upside down over a beer keg. City police investigated the drinking incident but filed no charges, spokesman Sgt. Eric Clifford said Friday. Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney said police were unable to develop any evidence that the Casinos served alcohol to minors. “They were able to identify people, but these people chose not to speak with police,” he said. His only recourse, then, would have been to take the matter to a grand jury, but the charge they would have investigated would have been unlawful dealing with a minor, a misdemeanor. Carney said a grand jury is traditionally used to deal with felonies and the only reason to have convened one for a misdemeanor was because Casino held a position of trust and responsibility. “In light of the fact that he did resign, there is no reason to use the grand jury to investigate the matter,” Carney said. Since the pictures appeared, Casino missed several school board meetings, his absence raising questions about whether he would re- sign. His term on the board expires June 30, 2011. ..............>>>>..................>>>>................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r00901&AppName=1
“In light of the fact that he did resign, there is no reason to use the grand jury to investigate the matter,” Carney said.
Another great 'plea bargain' from Carney!!!
The bottom line is that Casino supplied alcohol to minors. Charges should be filed against him and his wife......just like they do with every other resident who gets caught doing the same.
Although the Casino's should be charged for not only giving alcohol to minors, they should also be charged for being STUPID enough to put the pictures on the internet. There is no cure for stupid....but there should be a law!!!!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
...and when will Mrs. Casino resign? Or maybe the husband's resignation was an act to divert the attention from a 6th grade teacher who was equally guilty. How would you like your child having Mrs. Casino as a teacher?
The bottom line is that Casino supplied alcohol to minors. Charges should be filed against him and his wife......just like they do with every other resident who gets caught doing the same.
Although the Casino's should be charged for not only giving alcohol to minors, they should also be charged for being STUPID enough to put the pictures on the internet. There is no cure for stupid....but there should be a law!!!!!
"Mr Casino was dedicated"!! Right to getting every relative on the City School Bored payroll. You wanted a resignation-you got a resignation. As I predicted a month ago.
This is a great day as one of the worst, most arrogant, friends of Jiffy Jeffy has resigned in total disgrace. There is no doubt that a new majority will take over. Then we can get down to removing more administrators and restoring the reputation of this once solid district.
It's about time something happened regarding this case. Carney should continue on his fact-finding tour. Benny you were absolutely right on this issue. You called this resignation a long time ago. Instead of being Benny the Salami you will further be known as Benny the Clairvoyant!
This is a disgrace. The Schdy Super Ely should be next. And btw Ms. Casino should be out of a teaching job as well. Are there NO brains in that family. If that happened to me, we would all be doing time of a "simple" misdemeanor!
Look for more resignations from the pathetic School Bored and administration. They are dropping like flies. What until the super secret "internal report" is opened to the media. Because of legal action by the Times Union. You ain't seen nothing yet. I guess we now know why he skipped the last meeting?
Benny you were absolutely right on this issue. You called this resignation a long time ago. Instead of being Benny the Salami you will further be known as Benny the Clairvoyant! You called it Ben.
WOW! Benny got ONE right! Hurray!
In 10 years when buchannan resigns, are ya gonna say he called that one too?
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler