LEE COUNTY, Fla. - One school board member claims her fellow board member intentionally bumped into her after a meeting.
4 In Your Corner obtained an email Melisa Giovannelli wrote to the school board's attorney. Giovannelli claims fellow board member, Chris Patricca, bumped into her in the hallway after Tuesday's meeting.
Giovannelli wrote in the email she believed Patricca's behavior is bullying and aggressive. She even addressed her concerns after Tuesday's vote.
"Ms. Patricca, I'll grandstand if this is what you want to call it. You're disrespectful today to me and you do it constantly," Giovannelli said. "I'm over it. So, I can change my vote anytime I like," she added.
The board voted on Tuesday whether to further investigate two complaints about district spending. Fellow board member Steven Teuber was also upset over Giovannelli's dissenting vote.
"I resent the fact that all the things Ms. Giovannelli agreed to in the work shop and all of a sudden becomes a grandstand issue at the board table," Teuber said.
4 In Your Corner reached out to Lee County School Board members for comment.
Giovannelli emailed a statement:
"I'm sorry I allowed this to escalate to this level. Whenever we allow others to bully us it allows the Bully to have control over us. We must stand up for ourselves and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves to stop this type of behavior. Everyone should be allowed to speak up and express their opinion regardless if others choose not to listen. It's all about respect and respecting others. I will not continue to allow this to happen to me, to any employee, to any parent and especially any student. I was elected by my constituents because they desired change and I will continue to serve my community, work hard to change this culture and do my best for all in the community without compromising my integrity."
4 In Your Corner also reached out to Chris Patricca for comment.
