The Issue
Jill Citron’s actions as Vice President of the Jericho Board of Education demonstrate a blatant disregard for transparency, community input, and ethical governance. Her role in manipulating the renaming process of Cantiague Elementary School for personal and political gains is a clear abuse of power and a violation of public trust.
Under New York Education Law § 306, we demand her immediate removal for willful misconduct, procedural failure, and misleading the community.
Specific Actions Warranting Removal
1. Admission of Procedural Failure
- During the February 11, 2025 Board meeting, Jill Citron openly acknowledged that no official renaming policy existed, yet insisted on moving forward with renaming Cantiague Elementary before establishing one:“I’m happy to adopt a policy on naming after we do this renaming of Cantiague for Hank.”
- This confirms a deliberate bypass of established governance to force through a pre-determined outcome instead of following a proper process.
2. Misuse of Legal Doctrine to Justify a Biased Decision
- Citron invoked res ipsa loquitur—a legal principle used in negligence cases—to argue that renaming the school required no further justification.
- This misapplication of law was an attempt to sidestep public input, suggesting that renaming the school was self-evident, when in reality, it was a discretionary decision that demanded community engagement.
3. Manipulation of Public Process & Community Deception
- Jill Citron admitted to only soliciting positive feedback about the renaming effort, intentionally avoiding outreach to those who might oppose it.
- This intentional exclusion of opposing viewpoints resulted in a misleading and one-sided discussion, stripping the community of a fair and open debate.
- By selectively curating input, Citron manipulated public perception and ensured that the renaming proposal appeared more widely supported than it actually was.
4. Disregard for Governance Procedures & Arrogant Abuse of Authority
- Citron dismissed concerns about proper protocol, publicly declaring that the board could ignore procedures and act as they pleased:“We can do whatever we want.”
- This reckless statement reflects a total disregard for democratic governance, community trust, and ethical decision-making.
5. Inconsistent Legal Positions & Double Standards
- The Board opposed state-mandated school regionalization, arguing for local control and community input. However, under Citron’s leadership, these same principles were completely ignored when it came to renaming Cantiague.
- This contradiction highlights an unethical, self-serving agenda, where legal standards are applied only when convenient to the board’s personal interests.
The Resolution Being Forced Through Without Public Support
Despite strong opposition from parents, students, and community members, the Board—led by Jill Citron—is pushing a pre-written resolution to rename Cantiague Elementary after the retiring superintendent, Henry L. Grishman:
📌 Key problems with the resolution:
✅ No formal renaming policy exists—Citron and the board are rushing the process without legal or procedural guidelines.
✅ It serves personal interests, not community needs—Citron’s personal relationship with the superintendent appears to override public concerns.
✅ It dismisses the identity and history of Cantiague Elementary—without consulting students, faculty, or parents in a meaningful way.
Our Demands for Immediate Action
- Immediate removal of Jill Citron from the Jericho Board of Education under New York Education Law § 306 for misconduct, procedural failure, and abuse of power.
- A full investigation into the decision-making process behind the renaming of Cantiague Elementary School.
- A transparent, community-driven policy for future school naming decisions to prevent unilateral actions by board members.
Defend the Integrity of Jericho Schools
The Jericho Board of Education must operate with transparency, accountability, and respect for community input—not manipulation and personal favoritism. Jill Citron has demonstrated a consistent pattern of misconduct, and her continued presence on the board is a threat to public trust and ethical governance.
Sign this petition to demand Jill Citron’s removal and protect the future of Jericho schools.
