The JosephLaria, superintendent of the Glen Cove School District.

The superintendent of the Glen Cove School District -- which is under scrutiny because of an alleged cheating scandal -- abruptly resigned Thursday, seven weeks before he planned to retire.

The board accepted Joseph Laria's resignation at a special meeting Thursday night. Asked by phone Thursday afternoon about what prompted his departure, Laria said only, "I can't say at this time."

The resignation came a day after Laria allowed a 16-year-old student to drive his car with two other students in the backseat, a source said. Teachers who saw the incident were outraged, sources said.

A 17-year-old Glen Cove High School junior said he observed the incident Wednesday morning. He declined to be identified, but his legal guardian permitted him to talk.

Sitting in math class and looking out the window, he saw Laria and three students get in the superintendent's Lexus -- with one of the students behind the wheel. They rode around the parking lot for about 10 minutes, he said.

A spokeswoman said the district "acknowledges and is disappointed" by the incident. She declined to provide details.

Several parents who attended last night's meeting demanded an investigation.
 

 
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