A Long Island school board meeting descended into disorder after the district’s interim superintendent reportedly called police on the board’s newly elected president, accusing him of “poking” her.
Freeport School District Interim Superintendent Shakirah Miller called 911 and filed a police report against Michael Pomerico on Wednesday night, shortly after trustees voted him in as board president, the Freeport Herald reported. The alleged incident took place during a tense exchange after a routine meeting at Caroline G. Atkinson Elementary School.
After the contentious board session, Pomerico, who was reportedly standing over Miller, questioned her about obtaining district-related records. The conversation escalated, prompting Miller to rise from her seat, at which point the alleged poke occurred, according to the outlet.
Miller became angry after the reported finger jab and accused Pomerico of “laying hands on her” before calling 911, bringing police officers to the scene, the Herald reported.
Pomerico maintained that the contact amounted only to a gentle tap with his index finger, saying he was trying to get Miller’s attention, according to the report.
Police questioned Miller, Pomerico, school board members and even the Herald reporter who witnessed the episode. Officers made no arrests and did not charge Pomerico with any crime or violation, the outlet reported.
The alleged poking capped an already volatile board meeting, which drew a packed crowd and featured loud cheers, jeers and accusations of misconduct from attendees and trustees alike, according to a recording of the July 1 session.
Miller and Pomerico did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Freeport police also did not respond to an inquiry from The Post on Sunday.
