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Officials: MES Principal Didn't ID Students

School Board president clears Colleen Graziano of any wrongdoing during conversation with former board member Christine Muly

 

Manasquan Elementary School Principal Colleen Graziano never revealed the identities of several students in photos former school board member Christine Muly brought to the principal some years ago, according to a statement read Tuesday by board President Michelle LaSala. 

Graziano reached out to LaSala last month to "set the record straight" on a recent police report that stated Muly approached Graziano with photos she had taken of students vandalizing property and asked for their names.

The report stems from a June incident in which Muly filed a complaint with borough police against school board Member Mike Shelton alleging harassment. Shelton was cleared by local and county authorities of any wrongdoing.  

Graziano, who met with LaSala, Superintendent Geraldine Margin and board member Linda DiPalma, told district officials that she never gave away the students' identities to Muly and instead suggested she take the issue directly to Manasquan police, LaSala said. 

"I assured Principal Graziano that I would make certain the board heard this information and that we all knew she did nothing wrong or improper," LaSala said. 

Graziano's recollection of the conversation also appears to conflict with Muly's statement to police. 

Muly told police in June that the students were vandalzing property, while Graziano told district officials that Muly said she witnessed the students "partying," according to LaSala and the police report. 

Graziano also stated that she had "no part in providing information to the local media," LaSala said. 

"(Graziano) stated that she would never do anything to cause harm or negative publicity to the school board or district," LaSala said. 

LaSala went on to say that the board's recent portrayal in the local newspaper does not accurately reflect the job it has been doing. 

"If you rely soley on what you read in the paper, you will probably be quite surprised to learn that we actually do and have been conducting business," LaSala said. 

LaSala said the board was "once and for all" putting the recent controversy behind itself and beginning "a new chapter." 

Related Topics: Manasquan, Manasquan Board of Education, and Schools

Squan1

3:09 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Nice job lying about people again Mrs. Muly. I guess age and residency don't necessarily mean honesty. Would be nice to hear a public apology from you and your cohorts. You should be charged with providing false information to the police.

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Riley

3:36 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012

What role did Mrs. Margin play in all of this?

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Blake Evans

5:16 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012

No doubt a very large one. Time to widen the net.

unhappy parent

4:45 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Mrs. Muly you are an embarrassment. You should be ashamed of your resignation letter on the June 25 story. "Environment of uncalled for accusations." Yes, by you. Your "ability to serve is hindered." Yes, you are no longer in charge. "Dedicated your time to what what is best for the students and staff." It sure doesn't appear so. You are a mean, dishonest person.

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