Baldwinsville, NY - Two Baldwinsville school board members, who voted against appointing the current superintendent, have suddenly resigned from the school board, effective immediately.
Tanya Rosado-Barringer first joined the board in 2020. Shelly Bligh Goeckel was elected in 2021. Both read resignation speeches at Monday night’s board meeting.
Goeckel said in her resignation speech she is resigning because she doesn’t feel supported by the other board members. She said she campaigned for more transparency, asking critical questions and seeking accountability.
“My integrity has been questioned by being a part of this board,’' she said. “The board’s values no longer align with my ethical and core values. I have been scrutinized, dismissed and silenced for asking questions,” she said.
Rosado-Barringer said she is pursuing her doctorate and wants to spend more time with her family.
Their resignations come after tumultuous times for the district. In October 2022, then-Superintendent Jason Thomson was charged with driving while intoxicated after leaving a high school football game. The board drew criticism in the next few months for some of its decisions, including approving a payout for Thomson and hiring an outsider as an interim superintendent.
In a surprise move in February, the board voted 5-4 to hire Joseph DeBarbieri, a long-time administrator with the district, as the permanent superintendent.
Both Goeckel and Rosado-Barringer were among four board members who voted against hiring DeBarbieri. Rosado-Barringer had voted against disciplinary measures against Thomson. Both voted ultimately to accept Thomson’s resignation.
In her resignation speech Monday night, Goeckel said she’s experienced “isolating tactics” while serving on the school board.
“I’ve been rebuked, dismissed and disrespected with a level of contempt to discredit my service,” she said, saying some have implied she’s a liar and wastes the board’s time with “gotcha questions.” Rather, her questions have been for clarity, she said.
Goeckel could not be reached for further comment.
DeBarbieri thanked both board members for their service.
Residents who would like to be appointed to fill the vacant spots until the May school board election can contact the district.
Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com
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