LETTER: Richetelli says COPA will continue to inform public

Last Updated on Friday, 10 February 2012 10:11 Friday, 10 February 2012 10:09

To the Editor:

The search process used by the Orange BOE to elect a new superintendent of schools was severely flawed.

The BOE did not comply with its own policies, including the formation of a Search Committee, as acknowledged in a letter by the Board Chair- Jeanne Consiglio. What is truly unfortunate is that although some board members have said that the board should have followed its rules, Ms. Consiglio has never acknowledged publicly that the Board should have been obligated to adhere to the policies adopted for a superintendent search.

After careful consideration, the Concerned Orange Parents Association (COPA), although very disturbed about the process and lack of observation of the policies, has decided against legal action against the Board of Ed, as it would have cost the taxpayers of Orange money.

Instead, COPA filed complaints with both the Orange Board of Selectmen and the State Board of Education. Both groups stated that they do not have jurisdiction over the Board of Education and that the BOE is responsible for following its own rules.

It’s truly unfortunate that the Orange Board of Education can act autonomously with no oversight from any other governing body when making decisions that affect the children of this town.

Going forward, COPA will continue to be an advocate for the children of Orange; the group is in the process of developing a website in order to keep the parents of our district informed as to decisions being made by both paid and elected officials which affect our children.

Mike Richetelli,

President, COPA