Board of Education Member Maria Garcia

By Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – At the 7/24/14 Board of Education Meeting, Board Member Maria Garcia who along with Board Member William Ortiz had received a reprimand by the Board at the previous Special Board Meeting. Garcia wanted to know if their reprimand could be rescinded.

Garcia argued her point, “The President of the Board does not have the power to punish any of us. No Board Members may be. Board Members are entitled to express themselves publicly as long as you state: “Opinions expressed do not reflect that of the Board.”  I’ve done that. There’s a case that was in 6-4-02 (in another district) where a Board Member did not violate the Code of Ethics Act when he made derogatory comments. It’s not in the power of the Board to reprimand anyone. There are still ethics charges pending in the Board. I’d like it to put out that the reprimand to be taken back.”

Board Member William Ortiz said, “I agree with Ms. Garcia. Mr. Stern (the Board Attorney), if it is stricken from the record.”

Stern answered, “It cannot be stricken from the record. The record is the record.”

A motion was put on the floor by Garcia and seconded by Ortiz to rescind the reprimand to Garica and Ortiz. The vote went as follows: Milady Tejada, Ken Puccio, Sam Lebreault, Anthony Bermudez, Israel Varela and Obi Gonzalez all voted “no” while Board Members William Ortiz and Maria Garcia voted “yes.” Board Member Dianne Roman abstained citing she was not present at that previous meeting. Motion does not pass.

“You will hear from the Commission,” Garcia stated disgusted.