DURHAM — Parents are calling for the “immediate if not sooner” resignation of the Durham-Middlefield Board of Education Chair Lindsay Dahlheimer for, among other things, allegedly making disparaging comments about student athletes, their parents and school board members.
Several individuals spoke about Dahlheimer during the July 9 Regional School District 13 Board of Education meeting, including Middlefield parent Catherine O'Rourke. She claims the chair used a disparaging term to describe student athletes from another district.
“This kind of language is deeply offensive and is completely unacceptable from anyone, especially from a person in a leadership position responsible for representing all students,” O'Rourke said. "It reflects a disturbing bias and lack of respect for young people pursuing vocational education."
Dahlheimer denied the allegations Friday.
"The claims made that I have insulted members of the school community as chairman of the Board of Education are simply false," Dahlheimer said.
As chairman, she added, "I have spoken on matters of concern regarding the operation of the school district. However, comments as chairman that I make are respectful and not intended to offend any member of the school community in Region 13."
This “pattern of behavior is creating chaos and unnecessary animosity within our community. Anyone in a public leadership position must be held to the standard of their position and remember who they represent” said O’Rourke, who asked Dahlheimer, who was present, to step down.
She said she wants the board to conduct a “full and transparent investigation into her conduct.”
Dahlheimer and her husband, Michael, are being sued in Middletown Superior Court by Coginchaug Regional High School head football coach Anthony DeFilio for allegedly making “malicious,” “baseless” and “false” complaints against his “improper” treatment of student athletes in his care.
Her complaints were looked into by administrators, and found to be "without basis," the suit says.
Following the determination, the complaint said, Dahlheimer contacted the state Department of Children and Families with allegations. In June, DCF Director of Communications Peter Yazbak said the report was "unsubstantiated" and the investigation concluded in November.
Jen Smith, 30-year Durham resident, said she has “never experienced the kind of divisiveness and horrible behavior I have witnessed over the last couple of years, but more so in the last year.”
She told board members Dahlheimer has allegedly "defamed" some of them, insulted student athletes by name, and ridiculed parents. Smith called for Dahlheimer’s resignation "immediately if not sooner.”
Kristina Manning of Durham said she had one word for the chair: "resign. It's the right thing."
Durham resident Amanda Betty also urged board members to launch a probe into Dahlheimer's conduct if she does not step down.
"I'm speaking tonight out of deep concern regarding the ethical implications surrounding recent actions of the board chair, an extraordinary circumstance that alone raises serious questions about leadership, integrity and public trust,” she said.
The chairman’s alleged actions “reflect a pattern of behavior that is inconsistent with the ethical standards we expect from our district's leadership," Betty added.
Middlefield parent and teacher Gwen Hutter spoke about a "matter heavy on my heart for well over a year,” saying of the chairman, "her heart and her intentions are not in the right place.”
When Hunter referred to the chairman’s children, but not by name, Secretary Lucy Petrella called a point of order, saying the comments were “totally improper.
"I find this whole thing absolutely egregious and despicable,” she said.