PERTH AMBOY – Board Members Maria Garcia and William Ortiz listen as Board President Obi Gonzalez states both Garcia and Ortiz violated By-Laws 0.421.
*Photo by Katherine Massopust
By Katherine Massopust –
PERTH AMBOY – At the 6/25/14 Special Board of Education Meeting, Board Members William Ortiz and Maria Garcia were accused by Board of Education President Obi Gonzalez of a violation of the by-laws 0.142. She stated that both Board Members William Ortiz and Maria Garcia have made disparaging statements against the Board and Board Employees. “Mr. Ortiz has violated by-law 0.142. He has published on his public Facebook page foul language. Both Maria Garcia and William Ortiz repeatedly made disparaging remarks about Board employees on Facebook and other public media. They have made the Board open for litigation. They are ordered to cease and desist (this behavior).”
Board Member Maria Garcia defended herself, “You make references to disparaging. When I was elected to the Board it was not as a sheep. When we ask tough questions we have a right to do so.”
Board Member Sam Lebreault said, “Any examples?”
Board President Obi Gonzalez said, “We can disagree, Ms. Garcia. If you disagree, you may disagree. You may not use statements such as ‘stuck on stupid.’ That goes against the by-laws 0.142.”
Board Member William Ortiz defended himself, “I’m not a guy to silence myself. I’m not a guy to stop asking questions. My private Facebook page is mine. I’m not going to shut my mouth and be a “Good Spic.” When you (Obi Gonzalez) told me I wasn’t fit to go to college! You need to follow Robert’s Rules. I’m going to follow Robert’s Rules. I’m going to keep doing what we’re doing. Our graduation rate is 50%. When you compare with us Camden it’s because of the leadership. Bernice Marshall is a hero! I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing. I acted; I voted; I supported an individual – but you guys have your vote.”
Board Member Anthony Bermudez stated, “Your Facebook page is set to public. You made a false statement of facts. I’d advise you to use your 5th Amendment rights.”
Board Member Maria Garcia questioned the Board Attorney, “It’s not against the by-laws to ask questions?”
The Attorney answered, “No, but you cannot use remarks such as ‘talking stupid.'” Terms such as “stuck on stupid” are offensive.
Board Member Maria Garcia said, “The former Superintendent let us speak our mind. Before we had a democracy – now we have a dictatorship!”
Board Member Anthony Bermudez said, “First Amendment Rights does not account for speech that is personally offensive.”
The Board voted for the reprimand, Milady Tejada, Ken Puccio, Sam Lebreault, Anthony Bermudez, Israel Varela and Obi Gonzalez voted “Yes.” William Oritz and Maria Garcia voted, “No.” Board Member Dianne Roman was not present at the meeting. Motion passes.
Maria Garcia commented, “What are you going to do – make me wear a dunce cap?”
The Board Attorney said, “No, you get a public reprimand!”
During the public portion, parent Mel Knight stated, “You have to get your act together. If you can’t do it we’ll find someone who can. 0.142? What is that? I would like to read it. I think that some of you have crossed the line on more than one occasion. This is ridiculous. If you saw this type of behavior in school you would be calling up Moms and Dads. No one is making you do this. Do something for our kids. Kids need education.”
One High School Senior commented, “The way you (the Board) handled yourselves is atrocious. You are in front of a camera and the public. You can’t even listen to each other. It’s disgusting and unfathomable. You have no right to belittle my counselor. It hurt me to see this (in tears). What kind of professional protocol is that? I hope each and every one of you don’t bite your tongue. I’m shaking right now. I hope when you leave here today you have a right to speak your mind.”
Dr. Vivian Rodriguez offered closing remarks, “Abraham Lincoln said the largest room in any organization is a room for improvement. I am for one committed to make this the this work for the district.”
