Q&A: Garcia Speaks Out

Embattled former District 46 school board president Mary Garcia has been under the microscope since an email she sent to State Senator Suzi Schmidt from her District 30 account was distributed to the press in March.  Garcia works in District 30. The results of a Freedom of Information Act request were released this week.

• How do you respond to the allegations being made against you?

Garcia:  When people take things out of context they can spin things out of control.

• Have things changed since you first got on the D46 board?

Garcia:  Since I started on the board there is more involvement by the community.  People are more aware of changes that are happening at the state and school board level.  They are vigilant about money spent.

• How do you feel about the recent events at the school board meetings? (Protesting; heckling; police involvement)

Garcia:  I don’t have an issue with people participating in the meetings, in a healthy and productive way. We have to remember that this is about the students and the education.  I did hear that people were brought in from other communities and I’m not sure that helps.

• Do you have any comment on the issue of the e-mails/school code violations?

Garcia:  Anyone in a public role needs to be aware of policies and of what they e-mail. It’s a lesson learned for me.  You never expect e-mail to be exposed to the public and it’s a valuable lesson for me that I will let other people know about.

• Where do you stand now with D30?

Garcia:   There is an investigatory hearing about the authorization/user policy and district equipment.

• Are you concerned?     

Garcia:   I’ve been in D30 for 15 years.  I am a very respected educator in the district. We’ll have to wait and see.

• You are no longer on the D46 school board.  What are your thoughts on the situation now?

Garcia:  My role is over. My wish is that people put the past behind them.  Let the new board do their jobs and focus on the kids.