Lawrence says it's moving on
Laboy decals to be taken off vehicles
Legal fears are keeping Lawrence School Committee members from removing embattled Wilfredo Laboy as superintendent. But in a symbolic snub, they are stripping his name from personalized decals he had placed on more than a dozen school vehicles.
Laboy was placed on paid administrative leave last month after police raided his home and office as part of a criminal investigation for alleged financial wrongdoing. That followed a string of high-profile controversies, including a probe into several hundred unauthorized background checks on school computers, which angered and embarrassed school officials and parents.
Committee members said they do not know the status of the criminal investigation, but wanted to send a message that the district is moving on without him.
“We’re trying to win back the respectability and trust of the community,’’ said School Committee member Sammy Reyes, who sparked the investigation by notifying several state agencies about suspected improprieties. “The community has lost a lot of faith in us, and this is a clear sign we’re moving forward.’’
Other members criticized the personalized decals as egotistical and a stark example of what they described as a self-interested management style.
“Why do we have to have his name on a food truck?’’ asked board member Peter Larocque, who introduced the measure. “I haven’t got a clue.’’
The decals, which featured Laboy’s name and title under the district’s logo, are displayed on 15 of 25 school vehicles, including several food trucks and vans. They will be replaced with decals bearing the district’s emblem. The move was reported yesterday in the Lawrence Eagle-
Larocque suggested Laboy reimburse the district for the cost of removing the decals, estimated at about $1,000, but the board concluded Laboy is not legally responsible. Laboy could not be reached for comment.
Committee members said they have not fired Laboy, who is paid more than $200,000 a year, on the advice of legal counsel. But most agree he will not return from his suspension.
“The last thing we want is a big lawsuit,’’ Reyes said. “But I don’t think he can come back. At this point, there’s been too much harm done already.’’ 