Jahmal Mosley

At a cost of $60,000, the school and city recently settled a lawsuit filed last year by former Board of Education President George Farrington. The lawsuit alleged defamation and a violation of Farrington’s constitutional rights. This took place after reports of skirmish at the school district’s central office that involved Superintendent Jahmal Mosley.

Monday, Johnson expressed discontent with the $60,000 settlement. Johnson said she called and spoke with Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff Kim Kleiner to learn the source of the $60,000. Johnson said Kleiner told her the money will come from the city’s Risk Management’s account.

“Because the city is (self-insured), that came from everybody, a little dribble from every taxpayer in this city for nonsense that should have never happened,” Johnson said.

Johnson said some with whom she has spoken suggest Mosley should reimburse the $60,000. For Johnson, that would not be enough, as she said the superintendent should resign.

George Farrington

“It’s bad, bad practice on how we are showing our students – if you don’t get what you want, we’ll call the police,” Johnson said, to which board member Gloria Timmons stepped in, calling Johnson’s comments out of line.

Amid back and forth, Johnson said, “He (Mosley) owes the citizens of the city an apology for what happened here. This should have never happened.”

Some board members disagreed with Johnson’s statements. Board Clerk Ray Guarino said, “I have every confidence in Dr. Mosley’s ability to lead this district and that’s what this district needs, is strong leadership.”

Board member William Mosher said, “I must compliment Dr. Mosley for the job he is doing, or is trying to do.”

Board member Gloria Timmons said it angers her “when people on the board disrespect Dr. Mosley.”

After arguing with some audience members, Johnson stormed out of the room, calling the whole situation “disgraceful.”

The Telegraph reported last year that Farrington had visited the Ledge Street office to collect documents he had requested. While there, Farrington said he received permission from a receptionist to visit a friend in the back office, as the person was about to retire.

While moving through the building, Farrington was reportedly confronted by Mosley. The superintendent told Farrington to leave, but he refused. This prompted Mosley to call the police.

Farrington was later served with an order prohibiting him from entering, or being on the property of, the central office building for one year. The Telegraph reported Mosley believed Farrington was creating an unsafe environment when he approached the back offices, as noted by the reporting officer, Senior Patrolman Jaime L. Abrams. Farrington’s claim for damages was settled by the city recently.

For his part, Mosley told The Telegraph last week he is just glad to move on from the situation.

“A random lawsuit filed by a former board member quite frankly is not my focus, as it has no bearing on the achievements, safety and well-being of our families, students and community. As a resident, taxpayer, school superintendent and most importantly a parent of three children in the district, I look forward to the future of this district and city and intend to be a part of it,” he said.

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