Submitted by Jerry Cincotta, Greenwich RTC Chair
The recent actions of the Democrat members of the Board of Education present a troubling example of how transparency and democracy can be undermined under the guise of procedural necessity. The abrupt convening of an “emergency” meeting on October 21, with less than an hour’s notice, stretches credibility and raises serious questions about the commitment of these board members to the principles of openness and fair representation.
The stated reason for this rushed meeting was the impending budget process, a routine, albeit important, part of the board’s responsibilities. To label such a foreseeable event as an emergency is to engage in wordplay unworthy of public officials entrusted with overseeing our educational system. Emergencies, by definition, are unforeseen and demand immediate action to prevent imminent harm or loss. The budget timeline, established well in advance, does not fit this criterion.
What appears to have unfolded is the creation of a contrived pretext, a sudden intervention not to resolve a crisis but to orchestrate a calculated power shift within the board. By appointing Jennifer Behette, a Republican in name but aligned with the Democrat caucus, the Democrat
members created an effective majority, circumventing the bipartisan balance enshrined in the town charter. This move undermines the very foundation of fair representation that is vital to the board’s legitimacy.
The Republicans, having put forth Paul Cappiali, who was subsequently appointed by the Board of Selectmen in a regularly scheduled and properly noticed meeting, found their role in the appointment process blatantly disregarded. Mr. Cappiali’s exclusion from participation in subsequent board meetings, despite his official certification, adds insult to injury in terms of procedural propriety.
This episode raises broader concerns about the erosion of institutional norms in the pursuit of partisan advantage. When those responsible for educational policy engage in such tactics, they jeopardize public trust and set a dangerous precedent. Declaring an emergency where none exists is not merely a procedural quibble; it is a misuse of process that should alarm all who value the integrity of democratic institutions. Moreover, the refusal to acknowledge a duly appointed and certified board member shows a blatant disregard for the rule of law that is fundamental to effective governance.
The Greenwich Board of Education’s mandate is to oversee the educational welfare of our community’s youth, a responsibility that demands strict adherence to ethical standards and a spirit of collaboration. Fabricating an emergency to facilitate a partisan reconfiguration of the board not only distracts from this mission but also sows discord and distrust among constituents. The irony of the example being set by those charged with overseeing the education of our children is extremely disconcerting.
Jerry Cincotta
RTC Chair