To the Editor:
I am deeply concerned about the current state of our Board of Education and its apparent disregard for the citizens it is meant to serve. Recent actions by the board have not only eroded the trust of the community but have also highlighted a troubling and growing pattern of retaliation against those who dare to speak out or oppose their agenda.
The Board of Education’s response to citizens who did not support the controversial magnet school proposal has been nothing short of vindictive. Rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue or considering the legitimate concerns of the community, the board has retaliated against those who voiced opposition. This is a clear abuse of power, demonstrating that the board has chosen to ignore the very people it was elected to represent. Instead of listening to the voices of the community, the board has actively worked to silence dissent, and disturbingly, has supported the questionable actions of Superintendent Sullivan.
The most glaring example of this erosion of trust occurred during a recent Board of Education meeting when Chairman Donna Antonucci turned off the microphone of a former selectman who questioned her comments about limiting who can speak at board meetings and which topics citizens can address. It infringes upon the First Amendment rights of citizens to express their opinions openly and freely. The Chairman’s behavior was a blatant attempt to suppress free speech and stifle the open exchange of ideas—core tenets of a democratic society. These actions are deeply troubling, signaling a lack of commitment to transparency and accountability within the Board of Education.
As a community, we cannot afford to stand idly by while trust in the Board of Education continues to deteriorate. Chairman Antonucci’s actions are not isolated; they reflect a broader pattern of disregard for the concerns of Colchester residents. The Chairman, who should be a steward of public trust, has instead prioritized her own interests and those of a controversial superintendent over the voices of the citizens she was elected to represent.
In light of these violations and the ongoing harm to our community’s trust, it is abundantly clear that Chairman Donna Antonucci must resign. Her recent actions and remarks demonstrate that she is no longer fit to lead the board. We deserve a leader who will listen to the community, act with integrity, and, most importantly, respect the rights of ALL citizens.
Deanna Bouchard
Colchester, CT