Middletown board names Camila Doma acting superintendent; approves paid leave for Amy Bridal in 5-4 vote

MIDDLETOWN — The Board of Education for the Enlarged City School District of Middletown on Sept. 4 appointed Camila Doma as acting superintendent, approved a retroactive paid personal leave for district employee Amy Bridal in a 5-4 roll-call vote, and approved a package of personnel, financial and construction items.

The board voted unanimously to appoint Camila Doma to serve as acting superintendent effective Aug. 29, 2025, giving her “all the powers and responsibilities of the superintendent” until the board takes further action. The board also approved a retroactive stipend of $175 per day for each day Doma serves as acting superintendent, retroactive to Aug. 29, 2025.

The board placed Amy Bridal on paid personal leave retroactive to Aug. 29, 2025, after a roll-call vote that split the board 5-4. The motion was moved by Pastor Williams and seconded by Dr. De Jesus. The roll-call recorded the following votes: Dr. De Jesus — yes; Mr. Estrada — no; Mr. Moore — yes; Mr. Perino — no; Mr. Rhett — yes; Vice President Romero — yes; Miss Tobias — no; Mr. Freddie Williams — yes; Pastor Williams — no. The motion carried 5–4.

Why it matters: the acting-superintendent appointment installs interim leadership with an added daily stipend and retains the underlying employment terms for the district employee whose duties…