Frank Sanchez

Former BOE member Elissa Malespina confirms she shared the draft report with police, which she says the law requires. That report included interviews with the student and student witnesses that claimed Sanchez allegedly grabbed and shook the girl’s shoulders and “push[ed] her so hard that her phone fell out of her pocket.”

“I hope that the district reviews this in great detail,” said Board 2nd VP Nubia DuVall Wilson. “The importance of this policy with district personnel and the appropriate state-mandated steps that personnel must take if or when they believe a student has experienced abuse by a staff member. … It helps give the voiceless safety and support.”

As Frank Sanchez appeared in court on Tuesday, many community members flooded the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office with phone calls supporting him.

“No matter what our feelings may be at this time, our focus must be on meeting the needs of Columbia High School students, their families, and staff,” said Acting Supt. Dr. Kevin Gilbert.

UPDATE: A statement from BOE members Telesford and Vadlamani reads in part: “We express our full support for Acting Superintendent Gilbert’s recent decision to put Principal Sanchez on administrative leave. We understand the gravity of this situation and recognize that this decision may cause discomfort and raise questions for many students, parents and members of our community.”

UPDATE: District says no curriculum is necessary. C&I Committee chair, staff say that’s news to them.

“As we continue to increase enrollment for Black and Latinx students we need to simultaneously ramp up our efforts to understand what they’re experiencing from a social emotional standpoint in those classes,” said BOE member Courtney Winkfield.

From the South Orange-Maplewood School District: Dr. Ronald Taylor, Superintendent of the School District…

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The BOE also voted to reappoint Ann Bodnar and Jane Bean-Folkes.