Ethics Charges Filed Against Marlboro Board of Ed Vice President

The NJ School Ethics Commission has officially acknowledged the receipt of ethic charges filed against Board Vice President Victoria Dean, according to complaint documents.

The complaint was submitted by Marlboro resident and Planning Board member Josh Pollak who claims Dean donated an iPad at a February Knights of Columbus fundraiser which was allegedly labeled "Marlboro Republican Club, Victoria Dean, Vice President of Marlboro School Board."

Pollak alleges Dean used a political standing in conjunction with her position on the board, which would violate local and state school board ethics standards.

"I have reviewed the Ethics complaint that was filed against me and it is completely frivolous and politically motivated," Dean said in a statement to Patch. "I take my ethics very seriously and intend to vigorously defend my good name and reputation. A charitable act is being demonized because a faith based organization sought to thank me and my husband for a financial contribution we made."

Dean is a member of the Marlboro Republican Club but not a ranking member. Her husband, former council candidate Chris Dean, is the Republican Municipal Chairman in the township. 

The complaint, with a photo exhibit attached, claims Dean "created a linkage between the Marlboro Board of Education and the local Republican Club and implied an endorsement of their candidates in a forthcoming municipal election."

Dean has 20 days from May 16 to answer the complaint, after which Pollak will be able to answer Dean's response. If the commission decides to investigate the complaint, a public hearing will be scheduled.

As of now, the commission has only acknowledged receipt of the complaint.

Democratic Municipal Chairman and Marlboro Council President Frank LaRocca, who did not file the complaint, said "We believe it's shameful for someone to use their political party affiliation in connection with a school board position."

The Board of Education has been notified of the charges, and will decide whether or not Dean will be indemnified, which means the board would pay her legal fees.

Dean's seat on the board is up for election this year. Dean has not officially announced whether or not she is seeking reelection. The next Board of Education meeting is on May 21 at 7 p.m. at Marlboro Memorial Middle School.