‘Oldest’ DOE’er axed
School shrink, 85, is shocked
At age 85 she’s still kicking — but her boss at the city Department of Education has kicked her out.
Maria Zachmanoglou, a psychologist who evaluates students for the Committee on Special Education in Harlem, says she still loves helping children after 32 years on the job.
“I know many people my age can’t work, but I happen to be able to do it,” she said. “My mind seems more active than ever, and I feel physically stronger, too.”
Zachmanoglou — possibly the DOE’s oldest employee — was recently handed a twosentence letter saying she was “not chosen” to return to her job next school year.
Called “Dr. Maria” by teachers, students and parents, Zachmanoglou believes she’s a victim of age discrimination.
About a year ago, she recalled, her new boss, Jane O’Connor, asked her: “Are you going to retire?”
“I said no. She then said, ‘You must retire. I’ll see to that.’ ”
The DOE has no mandatory retirement age.
O’Connor is “obsessed” with hiring young employees, possibly to cut costs, contends Zachmanoglou, whose salary is $105,000.
“Apparently, she thinks some people are too old to work,” she said. O’Connor declined to comment. Zachmanoglou, who has tenure and remains on payroll, may apply for other jobs on the “open market.” But the DOE has launched a probe of her case.
“We embrace diversity and know that our students benefit when they learn from people of all ages, races and backgrounds. We take this matter seriously and are investigating it,” said spokesman Harry Hartfield.
Zachmanoglou, who immigrated to the US from Greece at age 5, speaks Greek, Spanish and English. The grandmother holds a master’s degree from Purdue University and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri.
A former school psychologist, Zachmanoglou has also worked with deaf and visually impaired children.
“Every child I work with gets a hug and a small toy,” she said.
In a letter of protest, she defended her record as exemplary: “I have the ability to think and work quickly, accurately and efficiently so that I am among the most productive psychologists in our unit.”