Westwood School Board Wants State Input on Possible Conflict

The Westwood Regional Board of Education is scheduled to vote on a resolution Thursday to have state officials review a possible conflict of interest with new board Member Rusty Miller.

Miller works for the Westwood Truck Center, which has contracted with the district for vehicle maintenance since 1997, he said. The company is owned by Miller's family and has contracts with several area school districts.

Miller was elected in November and joined the board this month.

The resolution would send the matter to the state Commissioner of Education for review.

Board President Roberta Hanlon said she did not expect state officials to find a conflict, but they wanted to get clarification.

"This way he has the comfort that no one can accuse him of anything and the board has done its due dilligence," Hanlon said.

Miller also said he did not believe there was a conflict, but previously offered to surrender the contract. However, he could not surrender the contract because he does not own the business.

Miller described the issue as "trivial."

Board policy states that "No Board member or member of his/her immediate family shall have an interest in a business organization or engage in any business, transaction, or professional activity that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of his/her duties in the public interest."

The policy defines "immediate family" as a spouse or dependent.

The Westwood Regional Board of Education meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Westwood Jr./Sr. High School.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Jim Leggate at Jim.Leggate@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.