NLMUSD Board member Cancio avoids censure

NLMUSD School Board member Dr. Robert Cancio listens to public comments, as community members defend him against allegations of the Brown Act. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK -

The Situation

Mike Garcia, NLMUSD human resources director, alleged Norwalk High School principal David Olea shared on Jan. 26, that he knew a situation involving the NHS security team was discussed during a closed session board meeting. Olea was allegedly informed by a mutual contact with “a board member.”

Micheal Gotto, assistant superintendent, alleges on Feb. 6, Olea confessed, “it was Rob [Cancio],” who told their mutual acquaintance.

However, Gotto initially misspoke and said his conversation with Olea was on Feb. 26. He corrected himself and clarified the conversation took place Feb. 6.

Cancio’s Defense

Cancio denied the allegations and shared his frustrations in an OP-ED article last week. He received enormous community support as district parents, students, Southeast Academy cadets and armed forces veterans expressed their support for Cancio during public comments.

The board gave Cancio the opportunity to explain his side of the allegations, and was allowed to call Olea to the podium.

“I believe a lot of what I said is taken out of context,” Olea said. “I never shared that any sitting board member shared any information from the closed session.”

Cancio continued and said the censure was a waste of time, after the charges were based on hearsay.

“Instead of spending our time and energy talking about educational excellence, after school programs, free and reduced lunches, and how to get the best possible people for our district, we are wasting our time on this stupid censure motion,” Cancio said.

The Board’s Decision

Board member Narcis Brasov explained under the law, the information must be willingly disclosed.

“It’s not a strict liability standard. Did information leak out? Was it done on purpose? As I scan the information, I don’t see enough evidence that it was done on purpose,” Brasov said.

The rest of the board concluded based on inconsistent evidence, that Cancio did not violate the Brown Act and voted unanimously not to move forward with the censure.