Schools

School Parents Call for Board of Ed Accountability

The Concerned Orange Parents Association Spokesman Michael Richetelli submitted the following press release.

On Oct. 3, the Concerned Orange Parents Association (COPA) made a formal request that the Orange Board of Education discuss at its Oct. 11 meeting why it chose not to follow its own regulations when it picked the new superintendent of schools. 

On Oct. 7, the Board of Education, through its attorney, notified COPA that it refused to address COPAs concerns and labeled those concerns "baseless."

“I cannot believe that elected officials are actually refusing to address citizens’ concerns,” said Michael Richetelli, a parent of children in the Orange Schools and leader of COPA.  “Last time I checked, Orange is still a democracy and we are entitled to have our voices heard by our elected officials.”

Find out what's happening in Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Recently, when the Orange Board of Education hired a new superintendent, it did not follow section 2141P of the Orange Board of Education Policy, Regulations, Procedures, and Forms that specifically details the procedures required in electing and hiring a new superintendent, according to Richetelli. "Instead, the BOE undertook a search process that had very limited public input and appears to have been dominated by the Board of Education Chairwoman," he said.

In response to the concerns expressed over the alleged policy violation, Board Chair, Jeanne Consiglio-Hoin, said in a letter that the BOE policies are “guides for action” and discretionary in nature; yet at prior Board of Education meetings she has stated that policies and regulations are in place for a reason and must be followed.

Find out what's happening in Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

COPA members will attend the OBOE meeting, tonight at Peck Place School at 7:30, even though the BOE has refused the request to discuss the topic, according to Richetelli. COPA is considering forcing them to address the issue by collecting signatures which will mandate a hearing pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §10-238.  COPA is working with Attorney Robert Russo of Russo & Associates, LLC in Fairfield to consider all options available.

“The Board of Education is elected by and accountable to the people of Orange.  As citizens we should expect our elected officials to follow the rules, and when they don’t, we have the right to an explanation.  Chairwoman Consiglio-Hoin’s assertion that essentially she can do as she pleases is wrong and Orange deserves better,” Richetelli said.   

Michael Richetelli, spokesman for COPA can be reached at 203-376-0904.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here