The Times Herald-Record published an article with the sensational title Convict named to lead Newburgh program. There is some follow-up chat in the Record discussion forums.

The article explains:

Despite some protests, the Newburgh School District superintendent is standing by the board's choice to appoint a reformed convict as the new school youth violence prevention coordinator.

Mark Wallace, 43, is a member of the Council For Unity and has worked for about a decade to help troubled youth. He first came to Newburgh schools last year to speak to students and was appointed by the school board in August to be an employee. Superintendent Annette Saturnelli said Wallace will begin working if he passes the pending state background review.

The minutes of a September 6, 2007 Special Meeting of the Newburgh School District Board of Eduction, provide some detail about Mr. Wallace's appointment:

RESOLUTION # 090607 K
BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of Dr. Annette M. Saturnelli,
Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education of the Newburgh Enlarged City
School District, hereby appoints Mark Wallace, as Facilitator for School Violence
Prevention, K-12, at an annual salary of $65,000 effective September 7, 2007.
Funding provided through General Funds/Alternative Program
Mr. Galli moved the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Bowles.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mrs. Bowles, Mrs. Fucheck, Mr. Galli, Mrs. McAfee, Mr. Pizzo, Mr. Poppiti, Mrs. Resch,
Mr. Woodhull and Mr. Lewis. Motion Carried: 9-0.

The Council For Unitiy website is www.councilforunity.org.