Ethics Violations Charge Lodged Against Three Holmdel School Board Members

Three Holmdel Board of Education members have been accused of violating a code of ethics by another board member or members, the public learned Wednesday night at the school board meeting at Satz School. 

The three board members, Ana Vander Woude, Dennis Pavlik and Phyllis Pascucci, said at Thursday night's meeting that they stand accused after raising a concern on Oct. 27 related to a school district employee's second job.

The concern was discussed in a private session with the the school's central office. But the three board members said they felt "intimidated" and "bullied" by certain board members as a consequence of bringing up the matter. 

They, and other members of the board, have declined to be more specific about the concern citing confidentiality over personnel issues. 

But the personnel matter was investigated, and most members of the board said they were said Board President Barbara Garrity. 

Board attorney Martin Barger explained that the charges will be reviewed by the state Dept. of Education, and if they find it can be litigated, the case moves to the Office of Administrative Law where it will be heard before a judge and made public.

Although the attorney did not specify the name of the person or persons who filed the complaint, Board Member Dennis Pavlik said publicly it was Garrity. She did not confirm or deny it at the meeting last night.