91ÊÓƵ

Concetta Galvan was appointed as Moravia's acting superintendent during the district board of education's meeting Wednesday night. According to her , she will be paid $900 a day.

Galvan, who starts in the position on Thursday, was appointed during a series of personnel motions at a meeting that saw more than 30 people pack the cafeteria of Moravia Junior-Senior High School. No one spoke during the public comment period, and her appointment was not publicly acknowledged by the board. But as the meeting entered into executive session, she was invited by members to join.

Board President Neil R. Stevens confirmed Galvan's appointment to 91ÊÓƵ before the executive session. When asked how long an acting superintendent might be needed, he replied, "I'm not at liberty to speak about personnel issues." Stevens replied in similar fashion Monday when asked by 91ÊÓƵ about the sudden announcement of Superintendent John Birmingham's leave that day.

Birmingham, who started with the district in 2016, declined comment about his leave to 91ÊÓƵ on Monday. 

According to Galvan's page, her experience includes serving as a principal at the Central Square School District from December 2005 to August 2016. She was named as the Auburn Enlarged City School District's interim assistant superintendent for personnel in August 2024, and served in that role until February.

Dr. Brian Hartwell, the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES district superintendent, was also present for the meeting and stayed in the cafeteria as the board entered into executive session. In years past, he has been appointed by school boards for the Auburn, Cato-Meridian, Skaneateles,ÌýSouthern CayugaÌý²¹²Ô»å Weedsport districts as a consultant to help them find new superintendents.

In Stevens'  announcing Birmingham's leave, he said the district's leadership team, faculty and staff were still committed to serving students and families. 

"We recognize news like this may generate concern or speculation, but ask for your understanding and cooperation as we move forward with the care, confidentiality, and professionalism required to ensure the best interests of the district and our students," he said.