Community calls for ethics review after online videos show board member distributing explicit campaign flyers
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Summary
Dozens of online statements read into the Dover BOE record accused a board member of distributing defamatory, sexually explicit campaign flyers targeting former board president and council candidate Daniela Mendez; commenters urged immediate action but counsel said the School Ethics Commission handles such complaints.
Dozens of community members used the board's online comment process to accuse a sitting board member of distributing sexually explicit and defamatory campaign flyers about former board president and council candidate Daniela Mendez.
Several online submissions read at the meeting alleged there is video evidence of a board member distributing the flyers and called for disciplinary action. Maria Chacon, whose written comment was read into the record, said the material "contains deliberate falsehoods intended to damage Ms. Mendez's reputation" and asked the board and administration to "take immediate and decisive action." Linda Huggaboom wrote that she "strongly condemn[s] the actions of a member of this board of education" and urged the board to hold the person accountable.
Board counsel responded that potential violations of the code of ethics and the School Ethics Act must be handled by the School Ethics Commission and require a formal complaint; individual boards do not have authority to remove members for alleged breaches of that statute. The counsel summarized: any complaint alleging a violation should be filed with the School Ethics Commission for investigation.
Board members noted the seriousness of the allegations and said they would read the remaining online statements into the public record that night to ensure inclusivity. Several speakers urged the board to publicly condemn the conduct and to consider what local steps are permitted. The board directed that the record include the complaints and reminded the public about the limits of local board authority.
No internal disciplinary action or vote was taken at the meeting; several commenters said they would pursue formal complaints and legal remedies if the board did not act. The transcript records numerous named community commenters who requested accountability and described harm to transgender students and community trust.
The board's counsel and members also encouraged residents to consult NJSBA guidance on the ethics process and to submit formal complaints to the School Ethics Commission to trigger investigation.
