Gov. Charlie Baker should ask for and accept Paul Sagan’s resignation as chairman of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Sagan gave $100,000 to a group that advocates for the expansion of charter schools. How can Sagan be expected to supervise and regulate existing charter schools — and deal with the thorny problems of adequately financing traditional public schools currently in operation — when he is investing in charter school expansion?
Baker’s defense that Sagan is a private citizen is disingenuous. Yes, of course, Sagan has the right as a private citizen to support political causes and/or engage in philanthropy.
But in this instance, Sagan’s contribution is inappropriate; it’s a conflict of interest given that he holds a leadership position in a public institution. The governor’s acceptance of Sagan’s behavior jeopardizes the integrity of the board.
Greg White
Leeds