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All not Rosie?: Lewis coach investigated by DOI for alleged ‘double-dipping’

By Dylan Butler

A Department of Investigation spokeswoman confirmed the office looked into the allegations and that the case had been completed. Rosenbaum declined comment, but a source close to the investigation said that Rosenbaum was cleared of any wrongdoing. At the heart of the issue is Rosenbaum's duel responsibilities as AD and girls' volleyball coach. It is illegal for someone holding two per-session jobs to claim hours for both at the same time, according to a United Federation of Teachers representative. Sources at Francis Lewis said Rosenbaum was doing just that for as many as four years and illegally claimed up to $14,000, a claim investigators went to Francis Lewis in June 2006 to look into. Rosenbaum has remained the school's athletic director, a position he's held since 2000, and girls' volleyball coach, helping guide the Patriots to the PSAL Class A girls' volleyball championship in November. Last month, an arbitrator ruled that Rosenbaum would have to give up his coaching position following a grievance filed by Lou Volpato, a physical education teacher at Francis Lewis who is also the boys' volleyball coach.The UFT contract states that an eligible teacher must be given preference over an administrator when it comes to a coaching job. Rosenbaum teaches two physical education classes, but is the assistant principal for health and physical education and is considered an administrator. Once he became an AP in 2000, Rosenbaum lost his retention rights for the position.Reach Sports Editor Dylan Butler by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 143.