CCE Executive Director Placed On Leave Pending Investigation

Delaware County Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Mandeep Virk-Baker was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Public plead for reinstatement of beloved staff

By Mary A. Crisafulli

WALTON - Following an executive session on Mar. 13 Delaware County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) board of directors placed CCE Executive Director Mandeep Virk-Baker on a paid administrative leave pending an investigation.

Masonville Supervisor and President of CCE Board of Directors Betty Scott said the main concern is regarding staffing and recruitment. She explained that of the roughly 13 full-time staff positions in agricultural and 4-H programs, only six remain.

Scott explained that the 4-H Camp Shankitunk in Delhi serves over 600 children each summer. She added that Delaware County's 4-H program is the most extensive in the state. "It has a very robust schedule," said Scott, explaining that from now until September there are several events scheduled for 4-H members. For students to attend events, CCE requires them to be accompanied by a registered staff member in addition to volunteer chaperones. In the interim, the county has collaborated with Chenango County 4-H program to provide staffing for these events, she said. "We rely heavily on volunteers and community support to keep these programs running for the kids," Scott concluded.

Scott was unable to provide any more information regarding the situation due to it being a personnel matter. However, the CCE 4-H Issues Committee reported their concerns about staffing at a meeting on Mar. 7. CCE 4-H Issues Committee Secretary Rachel Collins said committee members were informed of the departure of two staff including 4-H Team Lead Emily Roach and 4-H Resource Director Corrine Tompkins in February. The two staff were fired for reasons the committee is unaware of. Following their firing the programs then lost 2/3 of the staff. The program also recently lost 4-H Administrator Justine Bishop in December. The committee passed a resolution calling for the reinstatement of Tompkins and Roach. The issues committee believes the two staff members were fired for unjust reasons. Committee members also called for the initiation of investigations into the departure of the staff members and reasons for staffing issues believing it could be due to a hostile work environment.

Over 100 individuals joined the CCE meeting on Mar. 13 via Zoom and in person. Roughly 20 individuals spoke during public comment pleading for the reinstatement of Tompkins and Roach believing the future of 4-H programming depends on it. The CCE board was inundated with comments on how beloved these two staff members are with stories of how they went above and beyond to enrich 4-H students and work hard to make the program successful. Several speakers were served by Tompkins or Roach as 4-H children and as adults, they credit some of their skills such as public speaking to the 4-H programming developed by these two staffers.

Delaware County Fair Board Director Jason Craig assured the public that the board is doing all they can to support CCE and make sure "the fair is the same for the kids as it always has been."

The public overwhelmingly did not agree, they believe the few remaining staff, though dedicated, are not capable of supporting the programs as necessary.

Madilyn McLaughlin, counselor at Camp Shankitunk, said Tompkins and Roach are "the blood that runs through 4-H veins." She explained that the job requires significant off-hours effort and dedication and the program desperately needs their experience and expertise. "I don't think I can come back to camp because I don't think it can be done without them," she concluded.

Hamden Supervisor Wayland Marshfield also spoke in favor of reinstating Tompkins and Roach. He then said, "A good organization is only as good as your weakest link and you now what that is and you're dealing with it tonight. We need a leader who is going to work with the staff and not be afraid to get their hands dirty."

Some camp staff members also mentioned that over the past several months there have been multiple staff complaints regarding administration which have been ignored by board members.

The public then began to plead for answers from the CCE board on the two staff reinstatement.

Through the upset, Scott sympathized with attendees but said this is a difficult matter that the board could not solve in one night. "You entrusted us with a difficult task and we do take it seriously," she said, "We are committed to these programs, the 4-H'ers are our future." Scott went on to say the county is resilient and strong. Despite this difficult time, Scott believes the residents and CCE will continue to support the program and each other.

Scott was unable to answer questions regarding what the investigation was called for or other details surrounding the issue. As of the date of publication, no special meetings have been scheduled. Scott said meeting notices can be found on the CCE website at ccedelaware.org.