Rochester's new schools Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard got an early taste last Thursday of the theatrics common at many city school board meetings.

Brizard was in town for the board's formal vote making him superintendent of city schools. His contract is good for three years. But the vote was quickly overshadowed by a fiery speech from BENTE President Dan DiClemente directed at board member Cynthia Elliott.

The BENTE union represents most of the district's nonteaching staff - secretaries, clerical workers, and maintenance. DiClemente said he was responding to statements allegedly made by Elliott during the board's October business meeting. Elliott allegedly said school secretaries are overpaid, especially white female secretaries.

"Instead of commending the clerical staff for being vital contributors to the overall operation of the district, she continually attacks them publicly by using inequitable comparisons, inaccurate information, and false stereotypes," DiClemente said.

When DiClemente finished speaking, Elliott got up from her seat and walked down into a stunned audience to confront DiClemente.

"We can talk if you want to," she said. The board meeting proceeded as Elliott and DiClemente took their confrontation out to the hallway.

It was the second time this year Elliott and DiClemente clashed at a school board meeting. The first argument was also over BENTE workers and pay.

Attention eventually shifted back to Brizard. When the board went to vote on his appointment to the superintendent position, Elliott rehashed whether her colleagues should have convinced interim Superintendent Bill Cala to stay. She half-heartedly voted in favor of Brizard, but not without lecturing the new superintendent. 

Cala is leaving big shoes to fill, Elliott said, "but I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and vote yes."

When it was board Vice President Malik Evans's turn to vote, he attempted to mediate.

"I think a superintendent is only as good as the board and we should set an example," he said. But the comment drew laughter from some in the audience.

Despite the evening's fireworks, Brizard graciously accepted his new position.

"Thank you for your vote of confidence," he said.