COLTS NECK - The school board was steadfast, if not defiant. And united.

No way will it apologize to critics upset with a Dec.5 assembly featuring Linda McMahon, the U.S. Secretary of Education.

So said Angelique Volpe, the board president Wednesday night - the board's first meeting since McMahon's visit to Cedar Drive Middle School. There were protesters outside the meeting - just like there were on the cold morning of Dec. 5.

At the start of the meeting, Volpe provided a lengthy and detailed timetable of the events leading up to McMahon's visit as part of a nationwide tour to commemorate the nation's upcoming 250th birthday and the importance of history.

This may have seemed pro forma, but it was really quite admirable. Many boards of education these days refrain from open dialogue. Volpe at times even responded to questions during the meeting's public portion. Many boards don't do that either.

In her presentation, Volpe said she is proud of the district and wanted to highlight its good work. There was late notice to the public about the visit, because of security concerns on the secretary's end.
As for McMahon herself, Volpe said whatever people feel about her, they should remember that she is a Cabinet member, a dignitary and a person who "should be treated with respect."

The presentation itself was pretty vanilla. Students were assembled in the school gym and McMahon asked them routine - or rather, middle school-level - questions about U.S. and New Jersey history. Volpe noted - correctly - that there was nothing political, or even controversial, about the forum.

Things got a little spicier when Volpe and other board members responded to some of the criticism that that was a political, or even a religious, event. McMahon's tour is being conducted with an education coalition that is in partnership with a number of conservative organizations, including Turning Point USA, an organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk.

Volpe said some of the criticism was based on misinformation and said the school event had nothing to do with religion.

She and other board members condemned what they said were profane messages they received from some critics. Those individuals should apologize. the board said.

State Sen. Vin Gopal, whose district includes Colts Neck, released a statement condemning McMahon's visit and accusing the board of being more concerned with politics than education.

This irritated Volpe, who claimed the senator has done nothing to help the town cope with its affordable housing obligations and how that may overcrowd the school system. Volpe also said it was odd that Gopal would criticize a school district that he represents in Trenton. She ended things by calling him a "weasel."

More broadly. Volpe said that she declined to speak to reporters about the event, calling media coverage "slanted."

This happens a lot. An official refuses to talk to the press, but complains about press coverage. Where is the realization that not talking leads to "bad press," simply because your position is not being explained? This happens a lot.

Another issue on the day of the visit was the board's refusal to let the public attend an advertised early morning public meeting with McMahon - a clear violation of law.

Volpe said only four board members - there are nine on the board - attended, so it was not a "real" board meeting.

An official meeting needs a majority of members present. Holding a meeting with a minority of members is a traditional way for public bodies to get around the state's Open Public Meetings Act or Sunshine Law.

Still, the superintendent, Dr. MaryJane Garibay, apologized for the confusion.

During the public portion, critics continued to object to not necessarily the content of McMahon's presentation, but the connection to outside groups. What was important was "context," not "content," was how one person put it.

The board also had its supporters, some of whom were from neighboring towns.

More than one said they wish their districts had the guts to invite McMahon for a visit.