Schools
Departing Montclair School Board Member Says Reform Is Needed
Sergio Gonzalez said Montclair's school board is influenced by the local teacher's union. Mayor Sean Spiller called his claims "puzzling."
MONTCLAIR, NJ — Departing Montclair Board of Education member Sergio Gonzalez says that serious reform is needed on the board, and it may fall on local voters to make it happen.
Montclair's volunteer school board is somewhat unusual because its members are appointed by the mayor, as opposed to being elected. And it’s just one of several things that need to change, said Gonzalez, who was appointed by former mayor Robert Jackson to fill an unexpired term in 2019.
Gonzalez was not among the three people appointed to serve on the board last week.
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In his statement, which can be seen here, Gonzalez claims that the Montclair Education Association (MEA) – the union that represents nearly all of the district’s employees – has tried to “usurp” the board’s decision-making process and influence its budget.
Gonzalez also claimed that there is an inadequate checks and balances system on the board, largely due to Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller’s involvement with the New Jersey Education Association, where he currently sits as vice president.
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Gonzalez has since launched a petition that calls for a referendum to switch from an appointed to an elected school board in Montclair.
A MEA spokesperson told Montclair Local the union would “not contribute to the toxic climate rumors and inappropriate accusations are creating.”
Spiller called Gonzalez’s claims “false and puzzling,” and disputed his allegation that the union has any improper influence on the board’s decisions, Montclair Local reported.
The mayor thanked Gonzalez for his service on the board, including his “insights and input around technology,” in an announcement about the new appointments last week.
- See related article: Montclair Mayor Appoints 3 New School Board Members
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