Middlesex Borough board president rebuts social‑media claims, says Class‑3 officer language now included
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Summary
Board president delivered a prepared statement denying online accusations that board members “stole money,” explained why the Class‑3 officers agreement was delayed and said the requested contract language on the $50,000 deposit has been added, putting the agreement back on the agenda.
Mrs. Parente, the board president, opened the meeting with a prepared statement responding to ‘‘misinformation’’ circulating online about the district and its leadership. She said allegations that board members had taken money from the district were false and emphasized the board’s responsibility to protect district finances during annual audits.
On the Class‑3 officers agreement, Parente said the delay was not the result of a single objection by Dr. Roberta Freeman. She told the audience the district repeatedly asked the borough to add contract language specifying how a $50,000 deposit would be spent and clarifying that the district is responsible only for officer salaries and training hours while the borough would cover uniforms, equipment and non‑payroll costs. "The reason the agreement is up for approval tonight is because the language that we requested was finally added," Parente said.
Parente also addressed broader claims that the district’s operating budget had increased dramatically while student performance declined. She said the district’s total budget has risen about 5% annually on average since Dr. Freeman became superintendent, and that when state aid and other factors are included the tax‑levy increase averaged roughly 2.6% per year. Parente noted the district had secured over $2,000,000 in state preschool expansion funding in the past year and described that as a measurable benefit of recent budgetary work.
On personnel questions, Parente reiterated that personnel matters are legally confidential: "Protecting confidentiality is not avoidance. It is compliance with the law," she said, and added that the board is made aware of personnel issues and that administration addresses concerns in accordance with district policy and state law.
The president closed by asking residents to get facts from the source before sharing claims about district decisions or individuals and saying the board and superintendent remain willing to discuss concerns in appropriate forums.
