Schools big retires amid sex scandal

A Regional School Superintendent in charge of 120,000 children in 95 schools in Brooklyn and western Queens has retired amid allegations that he had an affair with a subordinate.
According to published reports, sources close to the scandal told investigators that Reyes Irizarry, the Superintendent of Region 4, had an affair with Eva Chejfetz, the director of intervention services, and had given her a raise.
Irizarry, who is married, allegedly appointed Chejfetz to her regional position, before which she had been a tenured teacher.
On Friday, January 12, the Department of Education (DOE) announced the succession of Charles Amundsen to Irizarry’s position, only mentioning Irizarry as having “announced his retirement.”
Irizarry had worked for the DOE for 33 years and in 2003 had been promoted to the position of regional superintendent for Region 4, one of 10 positions then created by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The press release announcing Irizarry’s retirement lacked biographical information and a commendation that is usually included in such an announcement.
On Tuesday, January 16, a spokesperson for the DOE said that the announcement was to be taken as more about Amundsen’s appointment and the DOE’s faith in his abilities.
In the release, Schools Chancellor Joel Klein praised Amundsen, who has been working for the city schools system for 30 years as a teacher, principal, and deputy superintendent.
“I am confident that in his new role he will continue guiding the students in that region to achieve and excel,” Klein said.