Andrew Sandler, Community Board 7’s district manager who took a leave of absence in late January for an undisclosed medical condition, is expected to return to his post next month. The timing comes as the board faces an election season that could see a minimal shift in its executive board.

“Andrew Sandler has notified the board that he intends to return to work by mid-June. According to protocol, we have sent Mr. Sandler today the appropriate forms to be completed in order for the board to consider his reasonable accommodation request. Once he returns the forms, the reasonable accommodation request forms for him and the doctor, the Personnel Committee will review it and report back to the board. That’s all we could share at this point,” Adeline Walker-Santiago, the board’s chair, reading from a statement presented to a hushed crowd at the latest general board meeting at Tracey Towers.

It remains unclear the nature or status of his medical condition. Privacy laws bar community boards from revealing the medical status of a volunteer member or paid employee. Reasonable accommodation requests require city employers such as community boards to offer a comfortable work space to employees to “perform the essential functions of the job in connection with disability, religion, pregnancy, childbirth or a related condition,” as laid out in the city’s official “Reasonable Accommodation Procedural Guidelines” book drafted by the New York City Department of Citywide and Administrative Services.

The procedural book continued, “There is no one-size-fits-all formula for deciding when to grant a reasonable accommodation. Rather, the reasonable accommodation process must be flexible, interactive, and individualized with meaningful, cooperative and timely communication between the individual requesting the accommodation and the agency.”

Agencies can deny the reasonable accommodation request, but the burden of proof is very high given the city’s broad protections for infirm employees. The agency, acting as employer, must prove that while it made a good faith attempt at accommodating an employee’s request, following through with it can present an undue hardship.

Though laws are in the books to meet special accommodations, Sandler’s request is somewhat unprecedented for a community board. As of press time, the Bronx Borough President’s Office, which oversees community boards across the Bronx, said it’s unaware of any instances where a reasonable accommodation request was made for a paid board employee. 

Should Sandler return, the board will likely be able to respond to constituent complaints in a more timely manner. Community Board 7 covers the northwest Bronx neighborhoods of Norwood, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge, Fordham and University Heights. District managers are hired by community boards following an interview process and finally a yes or no vote by the full board, cementing the premise that DMs usually serve at the pleasure of the board and can be fired at will. They usually serve as a liaison between the community, largely its members, and New York City government agencies, conveying neighborhood issues to the appropriate agency.

Compounding Sandler’s absence is his active probationary status with the board. Board members cited procedural missteps in their decision to place Sandler on probation. Individual boards are allowed to place district managers on probation until further notice. Sources had told the Norwood News the probation was payback against Sandler who had informed the Bronx Borough President’s Office of certain office procedures that were deemed questionable.

Sandler did not respond to a request for comment. On his personal Facebook page, which features a profile picture of him standing outside CB7’s office, Sandler had thanked supporters for seeing him through a tough time. “It feels good to know that I am not alone and to be surrounded by so many good, decent and honest people who have sacrificed their time and energy to be by my side, to lend a helping hand or just to listen to what I have to say,” Sandler wrote.

Sandler’s presumed return comes as the board holds elections for positions of the entire executive board, though changes are scant.

Terms for chair, first vice chair, second vice chair, third vice chair, secretary, and treasurer are expiring. But the current secretary Nora Feury, current first vice chair Barbara Stronczer, and current second vice chair Robyn Saunders will not face challengers.

Meantime, board member Anthony Perez is expected to assume the role of treasurer currently held by fellow member Jean Hill, who did not seek another term and was nominated for chair instead. She’ll square off against Walker-Santiago, who received nods for chair and third vice chair, currently held by longtime board member, Andrew Laiosa.

The tenor of this election cycle is less contentious than in previous years when board members have often been evenly split over who will lead the board. Two years ago, the closely watched race for chair ended with Walker-Santiago securing a win by one vote. Her challenger was William Francis, who accused the board of losing “sight of the well-being of our community.” Francis eventually left the board.

Elections will be held on June 20, the last meeting before the board goes on its summer hiatus.