A Lesson In Bullying

To the Editor:

I’d like to recognize Newtown’s Board of Education for setting an exceptional example of how not to treat its peers. If this example were part of a lesson plan, I’d applaud its realism! But sadly, it was all too real when Chairman Lillian Bittman and members Richard Gaines and David Nanavaty abused the sanctity of an “executive session” and took it upon themselves to violate another member’s rights under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

On the request of board member David Nanavity, Ms Bittman complied to blind-side her vice chairman, Kathy Fetchick. Worse yet, when Ms Fetchik requested to exercise her right under FOI to suspend the closed session attacks in favor of a public hearing, the chairman shrugged off her repeated requests, allowing the ambush to continue, led by Mr Nanavaty who, coincidentally, was the individual who requested this assault be squirreled into the executive session agenda. It’s all on page 1 of the June 18th Newtown Bee.

As was observed by Superintendent Janet Robinson, FOI laws specify that if an individual requests a personnel matter be handled at an open meeting, an open meeting is required. In this case, it was the only shot Ms Fetchick had at redirecting her board to act in a civil manner.

Is there not a strict student policy against bullying in Newtown schools? Yes! Of course there is! So, why would the chairman of Newtown’s Board of Education and of a couple of like-minded board members believe they are above being held to a similar standard of civility?

I have known Kathy Fetchick for five years and can attest to her being as honest as a day is long and as civil and kind as anyone I know. Ethically, she is upstanding and dedicated to representing the people who elected her to the Board of Education. She has the courage to speak her mind in the interests of “we the people.” For this she should be commended, not bullied and punished.

Respectful discord and compromise is the foundation of free society. Bullying members of a group to bow to a chairman’s wishes without adequate vetting of issues is not.

To Kathy, your supporters wish you the best at Friday’s FOI hearing in Hartford and apologize for the behavior of your fellow board members. We’ll remember them at election time.

Mitchell Bolinsky

3 Wiley Lane, Newtown                                                    June 21, 2010