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BOE Members Bohn, Farrell React to Election of Officers Dispute

January 15th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Allegany County Board of Education member Deb Frank raised some eyebrows this week when she called the board’s election of officers “underhanded."  At the first meeting of the year for the new board, Crystal Bender was elected president, replacing Tammy Fraley, while Robert Farrell was elected vice-president, replacing Frank.  Frank, pointing to Bender’s relative lack of experience, suggested it was ill-advised to select her for the leadership post. The consecutive 3-2 split votes harkened back to 2019 when the five member board was frequently at odds and heated debates often dominated public meetings. While Frank has declined to elaborate on her comment, other members have chimed in. Dr David Bohn, who placed Bender’s name in nomination, told WCBC News he was disappointed in Frank’s tone during the election process…

Farrell said he isn’t certain what Frank’s concerns are but said he is confident that naming Bender as president was the right call…