Ethics Complaint Filed Against Ex-Lacey School Board President

LACEY, NJ — An ethics complaint has been filed against former Lacey Township Board of Education President Shawn Giordano, alleging that the former official directed a school board attorney to research a political opponent before last November's election.

Lacey resident Gavin Rozzi filed the complaint several weeks ago. Rozzi and Giordano both ran for school board last year, and neither were elected. Giordano lost his re-election bid.

Rozzi claims that Giordano, when he was school board president, directed Board Attorney Christopher M. Supsie last August to perform opposition research on Rozzi. The 3.4 hours of research cost the Lacey Township School District $510. His complaint includes documentation of email logs and legal bills.

The Complaint Becomes Public

Rozzi brought up his complaint publicly during the Dec. 16 school board meeting — Giordano's last as president and a board member, calling Giordano's alleged actions a "blatant misuse" of power.

"I'm not here to relitigate the election," Rozzi said. "I'm here to expose blatant abuse of power and waste of taxpayer dollars to serve the (then-)board president's political agenda."

Supsie responded to Rozzi's allegations.

"The SEC (School Ethics Commission) encourages the parties that file those ethics charges not to talk about those ethics charges," Supsie said. "Mr. Rozzi decided to come public. That’s his prerogative. But he’s violating the intent of the School Ethics Commission by doing exactly what he’s doing."

January Meeting

Several other residents stated during board meetings that they believe Giordano misused his power. One resident said during Monday's reorganization meeting that the board should change the way it utilizes attorneys.

Resident Tony Risoli said he thinks the school district's attorneys have given the board "poor advice" on multiple occasions, including the district's decision to suspect two high school students for posting photos of firearms to social media outside of school. He thinks that Supsie following through on opposition research was another poor decision.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey filed a lawsuit in April on the students' behalf against the Lacey Township School District, alleging a violation of First Amendment rights. Read more: ACLU Sues Lacey School District For Gun Photo Suspensions

Board Member Harold "Skip" Peters defended the board's use of several different attorneys.

"Would you go to an eye doctor if your knee hurt?" Peters said. "That’s what they specialize in. This could cost us a lot more money if we use the wrong attorney for the wrong subject."

Board Members Sworn In

Three board members were sworn in Monday: Linda A. Downing, Edward Scanlon and Harold "Skip" Peters. Donna McAvoy was also elected to the board last November but wasn't at the meeting.

Downing was elected president, while Robert C. Riggs was elected vice president.

Watch the full meeting below:

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