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Board votes to postpone business meeting after heated exchange over social media and public comment
Summary
Trustees voted to postpone regular business citing misinformation on social media; the motion sparked heated debate and public accusations of censorship before passing by roll call.
The Newburgh City School District Board of Education voted on May 13 to postpone the remainder of its regular business meeting to a later date, citing concerns about “misinformation circulating on social media,” a decision that provoked heated debate among trustees and members of the public.
Board President Christine Bello said misinformation on social media and the potential for disruption convinced her to ask for a motion to postpone regular business to a date later in the month. She asked for a motion “to postpone this regular meeting to a date this month that is yet to be determined.” A member of the board moved and another seconded; discussion followed.
Several trustees and public attendees objected. Trustee DeRay said the postponement was delaying “important business” and that he had requested special meetings multiple times the prior week. Trustee Bergarelli said the postponement would delay capital‑project updates and personnel actions, calling the move “a little ridiculous.” Trustee Howard, who said he has served 13 years on the board, said he had “never seen a motion like this before” and questioned the rationale for postponing scheduled business the week before the budget vote.
Legal counsel David Shaw responded to questions about the board’s obligations, reminding the room that the board must hold at least one regular meeting per month and answering procedural queries from trustees.
During roll call on the motion to postpone, trustees voted as follows: Thomasina Bello Yes; McKenzie Boucher Yes; Victoria Boucher Yes; Bergarelli No; Howard No; Politi No; Stewart Yes; Christine Bello Yes. The motion passed and trustees announced the regular business would be moved to a later, unspecified date. Board members said routinely scheduled items — including capital project updates and personnel items such as leaves of absence, retirements and resignations — would be deferred.
Members of the public and some trustees characterized the postponement as censorship. A vocal gallery member said the move was “censorship of the community” and accused trustees of avoiding accountability for fiscal decisions. Trustee Bergarelli and others urged that the board allow the agenda items to proceed.
The board did not set a new date at the meeting. Several trustees indicated they would continue to press for discussion; board leadership said the postponement was intended to preserve orderly governance while addressing disruptions and misinformation concerns.
