The petition
We, the undersigned, do hereby petition that Mrs. Carol Coliane resign her position on the Upper St. Clair (USC) School Board, based on violations of the USC School District Ethics Policy and Code of Ethics.
The USC Ethics Policy (adopted 12/16/02) states: “School District representatives are expected to conduct themselves fairly, honestly, and with the highest integrity. This means treating other employees, other Board members, students, parents, and others with respect and in a manner befitting stewards of the public trust.” The Code of Ethics states: “Violations of this policy can result in disciplinary measures as otherwise allotted by law, including requests for resignation and discharge from employment, …”
Mrs. Coliane has violated this policy and Code of Ethics Guidelines #5, 11, and #2, as stated below. The statements below are supported by the public record, which can be accessed at: www.usc-waves.org. Please click “Petition” for the text, supporting documents, electronic signature form, and related items.
GUIDELINE #5: “School District representatives must be cost-conscious when spending School District funds and when incurring reimbursable School District expenses.”
• At the March 13, 2006 board meeting, Mrs. Coliane introduced a motion and voted to spend $30,000 in taxpayer funds for a retainer to the law firm of McGuire & Woods and additional representation not to exceed $400 per hour. The total bill was in excess of $200,000.00 for personal legal representation for the Board that was redundant with representation already paid for in the district’s insurance policy. Coliane made the motion to hire a firm with limited experience in municipal law without first consulting insurance representatives. She rushed and helped force the vote despite the fact there was no existing or potential personal liability involved. Other School Directors suggested the Board consult the insurer and policy before obligating public funds.
GUIDELINE #11: “…are expected to conduct themselves ,,, by word, gesture, act, and demeanor to ensure that all others are given fair and just consideration, regard and treatment.”
• At the September 11, 2006 meeting of the board’s Finance Committee, Mrs. Coliane singled out three parent volunteers (from a list of nine) and asked that they be removed from the consent calendar. All three were approved in previous years, and all submitted the required paperwork. (The three attended School Board meetings in the last year and spoke during the resident comment period.)
• At the board meeting April 24, 2006, in her official capacity as a school director, Coliane inappropriately sported a printed T-shirt that read, “Atheists, Communists and Liberals United.”
GUIDELINE #2: “…shall treat employees with respect and care and be aware of their proper role as public servants, role models and contributors to employee development. School District representatives shall not exploit, harass, or discriminate against any employee.”
• After the board meeting of February 20, 2006, Mrs. Coliane chastised the Superintendent in writing for expressing his opinion at the meeting, even labeling him “insubordinate.” She also sent an e-mail, copied to the entire Board, directing him not to “repeatedly remind every one how you do not agree with the Majority vote, but for the ‘good of the district’ you will work to ‘heal’ everyone.” Using this language, she suggested, “is damaging to any decent working relationship you could possibly have had with the Board Majority.” (Dr. Lombardo resigned September 14, 2006.)
In light of the reckless spending, targeting of taxpaying volunteers for retribution, and disrespect she has exhibited in public office, we believe Mrs. Coliane has disturbed the harmony of our community and has interfered with the education of its students. As she shows no apparent willingness to refrain from this type of conduct, we respectfully request her immediate resignation.
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