LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – The tangled ethics complaint against former Lacey Township Board of Education member Shawn Giordano took a decisive turn. Giordano faced a complaint initiated by Regina Discenza, another former board member. Both were embroiled in separate cases which were consolidated in 2021.
On February 27, an Order on Summary Decision partly granted and partly denied motions for summary decision in the case.
The Office of Administrative Law found substantial negative prior history and continuing mutual disdain between Giordano and Discenza.
The court concluded Giordano had violated New Jersey Statutes 18A:12-24(b), 18A:12-24.1(e), and 18A:12-24.1(f). These relate to abuse of official position, misuse of school resources, and compromising board integrity and accountability.
According to the findings, Giordano used his official position as Board President to secure an unwarranted advantage against Discenza. He also failed to recognize the board’s authority by using school resources for personal reasons and did not seek formal approval for such actions.
The decision adopted earlier conclusions, sustaining charges against Giordano for the first, third, and fourth charges but dismissing the remaining charge. The case against Discenza remains open for further proceedings.
Penalties for Giordano are yet to be determined.
The commission found Giordano used his official position as Board President, and one of three individuals authorized to contact the Board’s attorney to request legal services and did so to secure an unwarranted advantage for himself against a political rival with whom he had a negative history
This is not a criminal action.