Enfield School Board Chair: 'I Ask for Forgiveness'

ENFIELD, CT — The embattled chairman of the Enfield Board of Education has issued a public apology for what many deemed inappropriate posts on his personal Facebook page in recent weeks.

Tom Sirard read a statement prior to Tuesday night's special meeting of the school board in the conference room at Henry Barnard School.

"There is little doubt that some of the posts I had made on my personal Facebook page were offensive to some, and not worthy of an Enfield elected official. I know that I am held to the highest set of standards of professional conduct, and I have failed to live up to those standards. I apologize to my fellow Board of Educaiton members, the teachers of our fine school district, the parents and students who I serve and the voters of Enfield who gave me their trust to represent their interests. I am deeply committed to making sure our students get the finest education possible, and I know these posts undercut my credibility. I hope to earn back the confidence from my board members and those who work hard every day instilling the values and responsibilities, respect and learning. I ask for forgiveness, but I know it will only come with renewed sense of accountability on my part in the coming weeks and months."

Among the controversial posts made by Sirard on his page, which was public until an outrage developed last week, were a meme of Abraham Lincoln with the quote, "Haven't seen the democrats this mad since we took away their slaves."

Another post showed what appears to be a Hispanic teenager with the quote, "Teacher asked me to turn in my essay, but I ain't no snitch," over which Sirard commented, "Magnet School Student."

Prior to the meeting, about two dozen protesters carried signs outside the school demanding Sirard's resignation; an online petition with the same request was set up last week.

Patch file photo