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Public commenter urges resignation of board member over profanity-laced social-media video
Summary
At the Sachem Board of Education meeting, local resident Alex Picariello criticized a board member’s social-media post that used profanity toward law enforcement, urged an apology from the named trustee and asked that she resign; the board did not take formal action during the meeting.
Alex Picariello used his three-minute public-comment slot at the Nov. 5 Sachem Board of Education meeting to call for accountability after a sitting board member posted a social-media video set to a song containing repeated profanity and derogatory references to law enforcement.
Picariello said the choice of music was “deeply inappropriate” for an elected representative and argued the post undermined public trust. “Such actions can have real consequences. They erode public trust. They create unnecessary division, and they send the wrong message to our students about what leadership and respect look like,” he told trustees.
He urged transparency around any personnel discussions and asked that the board member — named in his remarks as Stephanie Vopini — apologize to the board, the community, students and law-enforcement families, and resign immediately so the rest of the board can continue its work without distraction.
Picariello said community members who had contacted him were conflicted about speaking publicly but wanted the district to “rise above the divisiveness” and focus on education and collaboration. He also acknowledged the First Amendment right to free speech while arguing that representatives who “wear the hat of a representative” should consider how their words reflect on the district.
The board did not vote or take formal disciplinary action during the meeting. Trustees moved on to the published agenda after public comment; the district’s administration and the board chair said personnel matters that might require confidentiality would be handled in executive session as appropriate.
