Submitted by the Greenwich BOE Republican Caucus
The preliminary ruling by the Freedom of Information Commission found that the Board of Education’s Democrats violated FOIA regulations by holding an illegal meeting.
At that meeting, Democratic members voted to appoint Jen Behette as a “Republican” member — even though she was the only candidate unanimously opposed by the actual Republican members. Nevertheless, she was forced onto the Board through a process now found unlawful.
Members Karen Hirsh, Sophie Koven and Kathleen Stowe have since issued statements filled with omissions and half-truths, attempting to spin the decision’s full condemnation of their actions. These statements were released without consulting us and do not represent the full Board.
Despite multiple legal opinions warning against their approach, these members proceeded with an “emergency meeting” that clearly failed to meet the legal standard for an emergency. Their actions were politically motivated and intended to install a pre-selected candidate, in violation of both the law and BOE precedent.
First Selectman Fred Camillo and other Town officials recognized these actions as improper months ago, which is why the Town Clerk and others lawfully recognized Paul Cappiali as the legitimate appointee. Yet Board Democrats have refused to acknowledge this.
Because of these actions and the refusal to work toward bipartisan solutions, the Board now faces the possibility that an entire year of meetings and votes may be voided. Ms. Behette should never have been appointed, and the precedent of respecting the party with a vacancy should never have been violated.
Upholding the law, transparency, and fairness protects our schools and preserves public trust. Secrecy, partisanship, and political manipulation do not.
Greenwich BOE Republican Caucus
Paul Cappiali
Cody Kittle
Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony
Wendy Vizzo Walsh
See also:
BOE Democrats, DTC Respond to Preliminary FOI Commission Ruling on 2024 “BOE Emergency Meeting”