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Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]

Binghamton City School District Superintendent Marion Martinez said she's disappointed with the call by unions representing teachers and administrators for her dismissal. While not happy with the reaction to what's been taking place in the district, Martinez said she's "not terribly surprised"

During a live interview on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now Wednesday (March 16), Martinez said "Binghamton is in the midst of systemic change."

The superintendent said the changes occurring are "disruptive to the organization." She said during a time of transition, people often become angry and uncomfortable.

Martinez said that reaction can occur when employees are "asked to do things in a different way.

The superintendent said she's heard people "speak about the good old days in Binghamton." But, she said, things have changed. "Binghamton is a wonderful city but you can't go back to the heydays of Endicott Johnson and IBM."

Martinez said the school district is facing many challenges that have developed since then, among them high rates of poverty and mobility.

The superintendent said status reports on school improvement plans reflect progress is being made as a result of initiatives launched since she started work in January 2013.

Martinez said she has "reached out a number of times" to union representatives to discuss issues of concern to them but has not heard back.

The superintendent said her contract with the school district runs through June 30, 2018. She declined to discuss conversations that she's had with members of the school board.

Martinez said she continues "to be committed to the work in Binghamton city schools."

As to the possibility of any of the district-related matters being dealt with in court, she said: "Any legal action that I have taken or will take is confidential."

LISTEN to the entire Binghamton Now interview with Marion Martinez here.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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